Parade welcomes holiday season to Valley

With more than 60 floats, Saturday’s Parade of Lights celebrated the black and orange from stem to stern.

Eschewing the usual sleigh, Santa brought up the end of the parade in what could only be described as a brightly lit Christmas boat.

A collaboration between Big Daddy’s Bike & Brew and All About Dance won the best business float during the annual parade.

All About Dance performers conducted gymnastics on the trailer towed by Big Daddy’s fire engine.

The Hot Air for Hope float by new nonprofit, Carson Valley Balloon Festival, was sponsored by Balloon Nevada and lit up the night sky with their burners to win the award for best nonprofit.

Carson Valley Little League won best youth float.

Team Amigo Vintage VW Club decked out their vintage Volkswagens in Christmas lights to win the Friends and Family category.

Douglas County Community Services won for best government entry, featuring its many services from pets to snowplows.

“We experienced a large turnout for the 27th annual Parade of Lights, where the joy and unity lit up our community, resembling a scene from a Hallmark Christmas movie,” said Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce Director Alicia Main. “With families with hot chocolate, and a lot of smiles, the parade themed ‘Tiger Tidings: Spreading Championship Joy,’ honored our state champions in girls’ golf and softball, who served as grand marshals. Everyone dressed and decorated in orange and black, contributing to the spirited celebration.”

On Friday, Santa high-fived children on his way up to the Minden Park gazebo where he pulled the switch for the lights with the help of 2-year-old Addilyn Vallejo.

Visitors roasted marshmallows and made s’mores over open fires while enjoying performances by All About Dance and the Douglas High School Dynamics.