Grandmas, grandpas, kids and parents alike enjoyed mild November breezes and blue skies at this year's annual Santa Parade.
This year marked at least the 32nd year for the parade, sponsored by the Valley West Chamber of Commerce. According to the chamber's president-elect, Vern Bolinder, 70 civic, dance & drill, school and car groups entered this year's parade. Its theme was "Magic of Christmas.""The weather's great. We couldn't ask for better weather," said Gary Poulsen, a Kiwanis Club parade volunteer.
Steve Lamoreaux, a 20-year resident of the city, said he's been coming to the parade for the past 10 years. He claimed he's been bringing his daughter all those years - even though she's only 3 years old. Lamoreaux admitted his favorite part of the parade is Santa.
"West Valley doesn't get a lot of action," Lamoreaux said. "But you gotta like Santa. I just hope this year he pays the bills."
Lamoreaux's sister, Pam Pacheco, said she loves "to see the kids and see them get excited about Santa." She noted that this year's parade was extra special, though: Her son, Travis Pacheco, 6, was marching with Pioneer Valley Hospital and the Monroe Elementary Singers.
Children smiled, stared at the sequins and folly and caught Sweet Tarts and saltwater taffy. Most didn't have much to say, rather they all agreed this was an added treat to a day off from school.
Officer Doug Paulsen, taking time out of his duties keeping traffic off of 3500 South, couldn't estimate how big a crowd the West Valley Santa Parade would draw this year, but he wallowed in the "very warm, very nice" weather in his police van.
"I always enjoy it," Paulsen said. "I guess it's to get everybody ready for the shopping season."