2023 Light Parade: It’s Time to Light the Lights!
Last Saturday night, the lights shone brightly on Castro Valley Boulevard as the Light Parade returned to downtown for its 11th year.
About 15,000 people lined the street to cheer on 65 different entries representing Castro Valley businesses, schools, law enforcement, government dignitaries, dancing Christmas trees, old-time cars, and even parents with their kids in wagons adorned with sparkly lights. Many participants drove, walked, and danced the half-mile stretch between Nunes Avenue and Redwood Road. The procession included The Grinch driving a brightly lit school bus and ended with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The Theme of this year’s parade was “Honoring our Veterans,” which was appropriate since it was held on Veterans Day. The Castro Valley Eden Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the event along with dozens of sponsors including TMC Productions.
“I am always so impressed with this community! We had over 150 volunteers making the event happen, great vendor and participant turnout, and a HUGE crowd,” said Gary Slate, Executive Director for the Chamber.
The street party kicked off at 3:00 p.m. with nearly 40 vendors, a festive kid zone, street food, and festive drinks served by the Chamber members.
Slate added that there was a record community turn-out this year, and the overwhelming feedback from the crowd was that this was “the greatest Light Parade ever experienced!” The schools and community groups were festively lit to welcome in the holiday season. There was even an impromptu dance-off between the costumed mascots from Castro Valley Elementary (tiger), Chabot Elementary (bear), Palomares Elementary (eagle), and Creekside Middle School (wildcat).
“The parade had everything,” said Castro Valley resident Janella Anquiano. “Great weather and food, floats, lots of kids, dancing Christmas trees, and Santa. What more could you want?”