Lights parade shines as longtime family tradition

It's a celebration of the holiday season. But Auburn's Festival of Lights Parade also celebrates family and community.The theme for this year's hugely popular outing, scheduled for Dec. 7, is Christmas in Auburn. And the parade will go on whether or not it's raining. It evokes the hometown spirit, parade Chairman Steve Galyardt said."It's mom, dad, grandma, grandpa and families," he said. "That's what Auburn is truly about. That's why people come to the parade."The thousands that line the streets include many who once lived in the area and come back each year to view the evening procession.The parade route begins at the intersection of Harrison Street and Lincoln Way in downtown, proceeds down High Street and ends at the Gold Country Fairgrounds."It absolutely transforms our town and makes it feel like Mayberry," Galyardt said. "(Retired Auburn businessman) Bill Radakovitz starts the parade the way he does every year. It is magical. It makes me proud to be a resident of this town."The parade ends with Santa."We did contact the North Pole and spoke to Santa," Galyardt said. "He will be here. He keeps that special day on his calendar. He will be the last float and will go to the fairgrounds at the end of the parade. He'll get off his float at the fairgrounds and will be there to greet children at the fairgrounds event, Lights of Christmas."The Auburn Chamber of Commerce organizes and manages the parade."It is a mix of floats, equestrians, old cars — the Jeep club is one of the biggest entries— marching bands from high schools, local churches, businesses, the Boy Scouts, The Boys and Girls Club and many more," Chamber Executive Director Keith Nesbitt said.He attributes the parade's popularity in part to tradition."First of all, it's a great parade with 100 to 110 floats. People go all out," he said. "It's a small-town atmosphere (enhanced by) the age of the buildings and charm of the town. People flock here to get that older time feel for Christmas — a little bit of nostalgia. Auburn is small town America at its very best." Many local shops and restaurants will extend their hours, offering plenty of opportunity to browse for gifts, enjoy a meal before or after the parade, or relax with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and take in the scene."We encourage people to come early — the streets get very busy by 2 and 3 p.m.," Galyardt said. "We suggest people come on down, have lunch, enjoy shopping and pick out a spot along the parade route." Those planning to have dinner at one of the restaurants along the route should call ahead for reservations, he added.Early December evenings in the foothills are likely to be chilly — even if it is a warm day. His advice: Dress in layers and bring along a jacket as well as hats and gloves for the kids.Galyardt has helped with the parade for 18 years and chaired it for about a decade. It's an effort that begins in earnest three months in advance."It is Rotary Club, Lions Club, Soroptimist Club — these people volunteer. It is all volunteer," he said. "We have volunteers from the California Conservation Corps. We get police and fire departments and all the service clubs. They're the ones who make this happen. … The day after, the 2030 Club comes out and cleans the streets and it is amazing. When I walk down here at 9 a.m., I can't tell a parade happened and that is not an easy task."