 On The Line -- Issue 664 -- December 7, 2007  Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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On The Line -- Issue 664 -- December 7, 2007 Online News and Views of Life in San Benito County with Herman Wrede Published by HollisterOnline.com -- Copyright 1995-2008 HollisterOnline.com
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If one had any doubt that the Christmas season was at hand, it was dispelled the evening of Nov. 24 when Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrived at the end of the annual Lights On celebration parade down San Benito Street.
Christmas shopping season and many stores and other institutions welcomed revelers with refreshments following the conclusion of the parade. The weather was perfect: cool enough to wear a jacket or sweater but with no rain. Some years back a deluge rained in Marilyn Darby's parade and the program was held in the Veterans' Memorial Building. Spectators began finding seats along the parade route by 4 p.m. and very young children were looking south along San Benito Street for Santa's arrival two hours before he appeared. Adults found friends also lining up and conversation touched on many topics. Mary Hubbell was on Sixth Street about 4:15 and invited a friend to go up to Bianchi, Kasavan and Pope offices to visit and take refreshment. The refreshments all began with the letter "c" -- cookies, chocolates, cider and coffee - except for the wine, and even two of the wines offered began with "c," the claret and Chardonnay. Bob and Crystel Bianchi greeted guests as they arrived upstairs and bade them help themselves. Joe and Beatrice Garcia also made guests feel at home as did Kerry Tobias. Mary Hubbell soon rejoined the reception. The Bianchis and adult sons Paul and Stephen Bianchi recently returned from Tuscany, the Italian province from which Bob's great-grandfather emigrated to America many years ago. "There are Bianchis all over that area but I didn't know if any were related to me," he said. They were part of a trip arranged by Christine Mifsud that included other local people. "It was a trip I'll always remember," Bianchi said. "We were invited to a dinner at a count's home and everyone was friendly." Jon and Juanita Mansmith were among the guests as were David and Katrina Kessler. Friends came and mingled, talked awhile, then left as their numbers were replaced by new arrivals. Back on the street the number of spectators had increased greatly and most of the vantage points at curbside were already taken. Children dashed back and forth through the Veterans' Memorial Building patio, and some sat atop the monuments to the war dead for an unobstructed view of the action. Geri Johnson walked down the middle of the street, wearing lights around her neck and carrying a clipboard. She was among many volunteers taking part in the event. An unidentified witch dashed by on a bicycle to the delight of many of the children, and a pirate, complete with eye patch, scowled menacingly at the youngsters, who cheered him. Assorted elves also got their share of attention. At the judges' stand, set up at the curb in front of the Vets' Building, were Shannon Grissom, David Huboi, Jeana Arnold, Bill Kelley and Suzanne St. John-Crane, with the latter two doing the announcing for the parade. Brenda Weatherly of the Hollister Downtown Association stood by with a clipboard. That lady takes her duties very responsibly and, like all good coordinators, makes the effort appear seamless, even though it requires much planning and lots of work. With Kelley and others on the platform counting down from 10, someone flipped a switch and the downtown area lighted up as if by magic. Judging from the cheering of many children, it was magic to them. Then someone shouted, "Here they come!" and all the spectators cheered. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion post led it with colors flying, and for the next 90 minutes, marchers and floats went by with many fans cheering. Youth groups were well represented -- from 4-H clubs, schools, churches and marching bands -- and many businesses were entered in the parade. Law-enforcement representatives smiled and nodded as fans applauded. And then for the finale, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived to an ovation that was shared by former youngsters as well as the present generation of them. The Clauses disembarked at -- where else? -- Santa's Village, set up every Christmas season in front of the multi-story parking garage at San Benito and Fourth streets. A long line formed of children whose parents wanted a picture of them with Santa Claus. Many of those parents still have in their family scrapbooks long-ago photographs of them with Santa, and they keep in their hearts the joy and wonder they had when they met him. Meanwhile, the spectators had dispersed with the ending of the parade and went to many places downtown to take part in the evening. They visited businesses and institutions to see friends and what bargains were being offered at the start of the holiday shopping season. She's, Muenzer's and other downtown shops welcomed them, and the downtown restaurants were packed. Despite the cookies and doughnuts offered at other places, many revelers had missed dinner and wanted heartier fare. Among the faces in the crowd were Tim Foley and daughter Ila Foley. Wife and mother Nants Foley did not accompany them; presumably at home and practicing carols on her harp. Charlie and Barbara Scott talked with friends passing by, among them Doug and Bette Emerson. Many people found friends along the streets and laughed with them and exchanged family news. Jason and Frankie Arballo spotted a friend. In the exuberance of Christmas goodwill she kissed the friend who stuck out his hand at her husband and said, "Jason, you're going to have to settle for a handshake." At the downtown branch of San Benito Bank, Irene Hurtado, assisted by husband Al Hurtado, handed out cookies and nodded toward the urns of cider and coffee. "It looks like we'll have to prepare more coolies for next year," she said as the last of the 30 dozen disappeared. David and Ravenna Huboi and daughter Carmen Huboi got a booth at The Vault where they were joined by friends James and Heidi Connor with daughter Michaela Connor. Another friend joined them for coffee. Jose and Gina Agredano with Jose Jr. stopped by for a moment. Agredano is a major in the Air Force and in 2004 was named Airman of the Year at Moffitt Field. Their son is a living bit of local history as he was the first baby born in the county in the millennium, on Jan. 1, 2001. Velezquez was in his element as genial host as he sat with a table of friends by the big window on Sixth Street. He waved at many people coming or going. Marv and Reba Jones came in, looked around, and left when they saw all the tables and booths were occupied. It was a good evening all in all, with much fun and many people truly getting into the spirit of the season. The momentum of that evening alone should keep residents happy into the new year. |
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