Many brave cold to view Victorville Kiwanis Club's 76th Annual Children’s Christmas Parade
Thousands braved the chilly air to watch the Victorville Kiwanis Club’s 76th annual Children’s Christmas Parade on Saturday as it traveled along Seventh Street, also known as historic Route 66.
With the theme “Christmas on Route 66,” the holiday caravan included marching bands, cheer groups, gloved boxers, floats, dancers, military groups, horses, and plenty of vehicles.
San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus rode with the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Posse in the parade, which included a group of grand marshals — those who operate the California Route 66 Museum in Old Town Victorville.
Mayor Debra Jones and city council members waved to the crowd as they rode in separate vehicles.
The city’s float included a banner that read “Victorville is Taking Route 66 to Suessville.” It included characters from Dr. Suess, including the Grinch, Thing 1 and Thing 2.
Many cheered at the pink-attired "Elf Squad” from Lucerne Valley Elementary School as they smiled and waved to the enthusiastic crowd.
Some of the schools with marching band squads that performed included Irwin Academy School of Performing Art, Oak Hills High School, University Preparatory School, Vanguard Preparatory School, Granite Hills High School and more.
Children and adults shouted for the attention of Santa Claus as he closed out the parade riding in a vintage convertible fire engine.
Sponsored by Options for Youth, the parade lasted over 90 minutes as it rolled nearly 1.5 miles from La Paz Drive north to Forest Avenue in Old Town.
Following the parade, the city of Victorville hosted its annual Festival of Lights & Tree Lighting at city hall.
The event included food, holiday crafts, and gift vendors. Also, carriage rides, a Fun Zone, treats, and a visit from Santa Claus were hits.
To view more photos of the parade, check out our online photo gallery: “Photos: Victorville Kiwanis Club’s 76th Annual Children’s Christmas Parade 2023.”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Many brave cold to view 76th Annual Children’s Christmas Parade
