These children anxiously await the beginning of the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Winter Wonderland Festival & Parade of Lights next to one of the decorative holiday displays created by chamber members and volunteers. Photo by Seti Long  

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Winter wonder hit Gridley last Dec. 3 as downtown filled with lights and song at the Christmas tree lighting and Winter Wonderland Festival & Parade of Lights.

Daddow Park’s gazebo served as the stage for Gridley’s tree lighting, with Chamber of Commerce President Lynne Spencer joined by Mayor Mike Farr to lead ceremonies. Music was provided by the royal members of the Miss Butte County Scholarship Program.

The Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce’s efforts did not go unnoticed as Daddow Park was filled with vendors and numerous food trucks filled the stretch of Hazel west of the railroad tracks, forming a food court.

Traditional folkloric Mexican dancers “Las Hijas De Maria” lit up the parade route in color and lights as they swirled their skirts and capes. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Previously, members of the chamber and volunteers gathered and even pooled their own personal resources to decorate the downtown area, especially the corners of Virginia/Hazel Streets and Kentucky/Hazel Streets with shining lights, blowup decorations, lit Christmas trees and more to amplify and spread the holiday cheer.

Thanks to the efforts of the chamber, the parade route was bedecked in merriment as paradegoers began to stake their spots for the best view. By 6:30 p.m. the crowd stood five deep in places, ready to welcome Christmas merriment.

The Navy Sea Cadets would carry the colors down the parade route and present them for honor while local Kari Wheeler sang the National Anthem.

Spencer then took a moment to present the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce Officer of the Year Award to Gridley Police Departments Ashley Gibson.

Members of the Miss Butte County Scholarship Program ring the Holiday Season in with song. Photo by Chris Pedigo

“I personally know how much she (Gibson) does for our community, and she helps the chamber out a lot,” said Spencer. “We wanted to let her know how much she is appreciated, not only by us but by her fellow officers.”

What followed was a dazzling array of lights, vehicles loaded down with blow up decorations and smiling faces.

Joseph Waterbury Electric Inc. would continue his winning streak, taking first place with this float for the fifth time in a row! Waterbury wired his float with moving puppets and a Santa that popped up out of a Chimney.

Gridley High School’s Rotary Interact Club, “all aboard!” the Polar Express as they cruise their way to 3rd place. Photo by Chris Pedigo.

Bowling Family Dentistry taking a bite out of second place with their “Molar Express” a witty take on the Polar Express. Coincidentally, the Polar Express itself would shuttle the Rotary Interact club down the parade route and take third place!

From Titans and Gridley High School football teams, CalFire engines and their responders and traditional Mexican folk dancing, the 2025 Winter Wonderland Festival and Parade of Lights dazzled and delighted.