GILROY
– The Grinch may have showed up – but he couldn’t steal
Christmas.
Dressed in a red Santa suit, the green monster coasted through
downtown Gilroy on the back of a motorcycle Saturday night during
the area’s annual Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony.
GILROY – The Grinch may have showed up – but he couldn’t steal Christmas.
Dressed in a red Santa suit, the green monster coasted through downtown Gilroy on the back of a motorcycle Saturday night during the area’s annual Christmas parade and tree-lighting ceremony.
But Mr. Grinch – or his metaphorical equivalents such as a sour economy and uncertainty about conflict in the Middle East – was no match for the innocence of children and the charm of small-town America. Hundreds of residents from South County and points beyond descended upon downtown Gilroy’s historic heart to enjoy music, decorations, visits with Santa and simply each others’ company at the event sponsored by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce.
“I like it a lot – it’s a small-town feel, like you know everyone, and the choir and band are here,” said Jenny Foxworth, who came from Salinas to catch her daughter perform with the Gilroy High School Marching Band. “It’s a good community spirit.”
Unlike last year’s rain-soaked event, the evening was crisp and clear Saturday as throngs of children and their parents crowded the street and sidewalks at Monterey and Fifth streets, which police had closed off to traffic within a block’s radius in all directions.
As they waited for the parade to begin, young children hopped about everywhere as if on the playground, many in red sweatshirts and fuzzy Santa hats. Adults mingled in groups or strolled through antique stores.
The chorus of children’s voices nearly drowned out those of the Gilroy High School Chamber Choir, who delighted several rows of attendees with traditional favorites like “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and a jazzed-up, finger-snapping rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”
The performance was one of eight the tuxedo- and gown-wearing choir was expected to deliver that day around town, Director Phil Robb said. Choir members come to class early to practice the carols, which they deliver at many holiday events as one of their major annual fund raisers. Robb estimated they will give about 50 performances before Christmas.
“They have a good time doing it,” he said.
The Garlic City Harmony Quartet – Bill Lindsteadt, Mike Allen, George Carson and Ron Koch – also delighted onlookers with a cappella versions of classics like “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” as darkness fell.
As they wrapped up, the crowd parted and people lined both sides of the block to catch the short but colorful parade. A Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6309 color guard led the procession, which included marching Girl Scouts and Brownies in felt elf hats, colorful floats by St. Mary’s youth group and Bonfante Gardens, a fire truck decorated with lights and a school bus with lights and “antlers” protruding from its side mirrors.
Following the marching band was the highlight of the parade – Santa Claus himself, waving from a rolling sled drawn by Mayor Tom Springer and members of the City Council wearing red sweatshirts and felt antlers.
“Make room for those reindeer, they’re very sensitive,” joked emcee and former councilman Don Gage, now a county supervisor.
As the parade ended, a crowd of children joined Gage and Santa in counting down from 10 for the lighting of the tree, decorated with red bows, gold globes and garland and topped by a lighted cross.
“That’s pretty!” cooed one mother, one of several adults who lingered around the tree to chat as other families lined up down the street for a chance to visit with Santa. The character greeted children in a warmly decorated room at the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce building, surrounded by rich-smelling Christmas trees, cotton snow, stuffed animals and hand-painted cutouts of Old City Hall and other historic downtown buildings.
Three-year-old Adrianna Queen was so excited she forgot to ask for a gift. The tiny girl carrying a reindeer balloon rushed up to Santa and planted a big hug on his leg, but had to be ushered back by her parents to collect the bag of coloring books and other goodies he had for her.
“What’s the weight limit on Santa’s lap this year?” joked a father standing in line farther behind them, a reference to either the cookies and apple juice being served up nearby or perhaps the slow economy.
But outside, it didn’t look as if the Grinch was trying very hard at his dastardly duties as he worked the crowd. Several children hugged, shook hands or exchanged high-fives with the green-masked curmudgeon while they waited in line for a moment with Santa – although one infant girl burst into tears when handed over for a photo.
“He told me ‘Merry Christmas,’ ” said 7-year-old Armando Soto Jr., who posed with his five brothers and sisters for a group photo with the Grinch while waiting for a chance to ask Santa for a cellular phone.
“It was fun,” said Armando’s mother Nadine, as she hefted one infant child and helped tend to another in a stroller. “It’s the first time we’ve come out, and the kids seemed to enjoy it.
“And if they’re happy, I’m happy,” she laughed.
Another child passing by in the street with his family asked if he should go get a photo with the character as well.
“I’d sock him in the nose,” the boy’s father advised. “He’s the Grinch!”
