KELSEYVILLE >> Perhaps it was appropriate one of the lead floats for the Kelseyville Christmas in the Country and Light Parade was PG&E lineman Ellis Thornton.
Thornton built the dazzling light assembly along with a helper, yet they saved the parts for quick assembly each year that now has reached almost 30 years approximately (missed some due to COVID). Thornton noted he was a Parade Wrangler, who reminds float drivers: the parade starts at 6:30 p.m., they cannot throw candy, to smile and be happy. “I grew up in Kelseyville, and I like making people happy,” Thornton said. “But it’s especially (about) the kids,” he reminds everyone.
For Landis and Tony Elliot operating a yuletide red pickup truck, what’s fun is letting the children Aria and Charlize perch atop top the cab. “This is a family event for us,” he said.
For Maureen Gambill, The Light parade improves every year. She gives kudos to the participation of the K-Corps Search & Rescue program from Kelseyville High School. Her son, Ethan was equally enthused. “It was pretty cool to be in,” he said, “All the flashing green, red, and blue lights.” Maureen said the family was staying home for Christmas where she is busy cooking biscuits and gravy (and traditional fare) along with cheesecake for desert. “It was amazing, Santa was in a 1931 AA Ford, and it spent two days in my yard getting repaired, and jury-rigged an umbrella at the last minute,” she added. “I thought we wouldn’t get as many people because of the rain, but that was not the case.”
Paul Mcguire, who forks for the school district noted they have a store in the Riviera Elementary School Library. “Kids can buy affordable gifts,” he said. “We sell items for $1 to $5, so kids can get stocking stuffers for parents and siblings. It’s amazing here, why go anywhere else. My grown kids come back at Christmas because of the Light Parade.”
Rita Abbey praised Marilyn Holdenried, she said started the parade over two decades ago. “I love the fact local businesses participate,” she said. “The parade brings out the families in a very rural community. I see people I don’t see every day and we get to catch up. The turnout is very good and it’s always a wonderful event, maybe the rain discouraged some … But I won’t start Christmas shopping until the school term ends.”
The Cub Scouts Pack 142 float was a collaborative effort and required six hours to build, noted Michelle Raabe, a volunteer and scout master. “Its a wonderful community event for all,” she said. “It gets everybody in the holiday spirit. And it’s wonderful for all the businesses and organizations, but I would love if there were more scouts.”
Christy White, Chair of the parade pointed out there was a record number of floats, over 40. She is thankful to the Kelseyville Business Association for coordinating the various aspects of decorating, putting up barricades, arranging for security and insurance. She also singled out The Lady Luck Garage for hosting Santa, taking children’s requests for Christmas wish lists. “I moved from San Francisco to Kelseyville and right away I got involved,” she said. “I just love the community spirit of Kelseyville.
Rosa Perez was attending her first Light Parade with her friend, Ulises Figueroa. Perez has spent much of her time caring for a disabled daughter and so missed out seeing more recent parades. “I think this is special and people become more Christ-like,” she said. “We’ve lost the (original) concept for many years. But it’s the spirit of giving. It’s a time for being together, with family … because time is the most precious gift you can give. You can never return it or take it back.”
