What time is it when businesses and organizations decorate and illuminate anything with wheels or legs and head through Yucca Valley’s Old Town to the delight of thousands of spectators both young and old? Here’s reporter Mike Lipsitz with the answer…
It’s time for the Yucca Valley Light Parade, a holiday tradition now in its 21st year. Sponsored by the Yucca Valley Noon Rotary, this year’s event happens Saturday, December 8, with Z107.7’s own Gary Daigneault as grand marshal. The parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and will promenade along Santa Fe Trail west to Cherokee Trail, ending at Inca Trail. Z107.7’s Cody Joseph will announce the parade from the judges reviewing stand at Geronimo Trail where there will be complementary hot cocoa as well as public restrooms. After the parade kids are invited to visit Santa inside the Hi-Desert Water District offices at Santa Fe Trail. The Yucca Valley Noon Rotary Club organizes the Light Parade each year. This year’s sponsor is Southern California Edison; partners include the Town of Yucca Valley, Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce, Hi-Desert Water District, Z107.7 Community Radio, and Hi-Desert Publishing.
The entry fee for parade participants is $25. Contact Parade Chair Patti Brown at 760-365-7003 for information or an application.
Applications are being take for the Twentynine Palms Light Parade, set for Tuesday evening, December 4. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Joshua Lane, off Adobe Road, pass City Hall and then turn left on to Sun Valley Drive. After the parade, will be the lighting of the official city Christmas tree at 6:25 p.m. Mayor McArthur Wright will welcome attendees, area churches will provide music, and the service clubs will serve hot cocoa and holiday goodies. Right after the tree lighting, Santa Claus will fly straight from the North Pole and touch down via helicopter on Adobe Road right in front of City Hall. Santa will stay for photos before lifting off and heading north at 7:30 p.m. Light parade applications are available now at the Twentynine Palms Park and Recreation office at Luckie Park or by calling Z107.7 at 760-366-8471. Applicants are asked to bring a donation to the Twentynine Palms Food Pantry.
