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Christmas parade delights thousands


Kimberly Rubio

Assistant editor

With more than 30 entries and roughly 3,000 people in attendance, the 2017 Christmas parade was the talk of the town Friday.

The event was organized by Uvalde Leader-News Newspapers in Education coordinator Olga Charles and the city of Uvalde.

“I think it was fabulous,” Charles said, noting that the 2016 parade saw 16 entries. “It is a learning experience every year, but it went very well, and we have new ideas for next year.”

Money raised will go toward purchasing new Christmas lights for the downtown square. First Baptist Church placed first and earned $100, while Dalton Early Childhood Center took second place and received $75. The city of Uvalde donated their $25 earnings to the cause.

Judges were Susan Anderson, Jennifer Cortez and Shawna Wolbert.

In addition to the parade, attendees enjoyed two snow slides provided by the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce, various vendors and pictures with Santa Claus.

Vendors and musicians were set up in the downtown plaza, which was festively decorated with lights and other ornamentation. The opera house was also decked out with a Christmas tree, next to which Santa Claus and his cheery elf saw a multitude of children – some who cheerfully imparted their Christmas wish lists and others who were a little intimidated.

“We are so glad everybody came out, and we want to thank everybody that volunteered their time or participated,” Charles said. “We were so happy we had such a great turnout. That is what the city wanted, something the community could enjoy.”

Chelsaey Jimenez and Eddie Canales, who – along with their three children– were on board the city of Uvalde float, said they are thankful for a community that organizes events for residents.

“We love that the city does these parades. The kids really enjoy it, you can see the excitement in their eyes,” Jimenez said.

“I love when Uvalde comes together for some simple family fun,” noted Uvalde resident Brenda Costillo. “Nothing like making some memories with our children and having all our friends around.”

krubio@ulnnow.com, 830-278-3335

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