The chill in the air on Saturday morning did little to dampen the holiday spirit in Benicia, California, as hundreds of residents flocked to First Street for the annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Market. Despite temperatures hovering around a brisk 42 degrees, the community turned out in full force, demonstrating a shared enthusiasm for festive traditions.
“Who in their right mind would have come out today?” chuckled Gretchen Burgess, a spectator who, along with many others, was bundled in layers of sweaters, beanies, and Santa hats. “If it did rain, it would have turned to snow.” Her lighthearted remark underscored the determination of the attendees to embrace the holiday cheer, regardless of the unseasonably cool weather.
The parade route, stretching along First Street, was lined with eager spectators who waved and cheered as local organizations and figures made their way through the town. The Benicia Police Department and Fire Department, along with the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus himself, led the procession, spreading Christmas spirit and joy to all in attendance.
Laurie Wachob, the executive director of Benicia Main Street, highlighted the importance of such community gatherings. “I think little community events like this just bring everybody together,” she stated, her voice reflecting the warmth of the occasion. “I saw a lot of smiles, a lot of laughter and a lot of fun. It warms my heart.”
This year marked the 31st consecutive year that Benicia Main Street has proudly hosted the parade and the subsequent holiday market, an event that has become a beloved staple in the community’s holiday calendar. Christina Strawbridge, President of the Benicia Main Street Board of Directors, emphasized the event’s positive impact. “We have the staples that usually want to come out and then some new folks,” Strawbridge noted. “It’s good for our businesses. We do the holiday market to keep people down here after the parade.”
The parade featured a diverse array of participants, showcasing the breadth of community involvement. Alongside official departments, the Benicia Girl Scouts, Food is Free Bay Area, St. Dominic’s Catholic Church, and the Benicia Middle and High School cheer teams and marching bands added to the vibrant spectacle.
“My favorite part is seeing the kids so excited,” Strawbridge shared, recalling the delight of the younger attendees. “We had Santa and Mrs. Claus this year and that was fun for them.” The presence of these iconic holiday figures undoubtedly added an extra layer of magic for the children.
Following the conclusion of the parade, which ended outside of SIPS Bottle Emporium, the crowd dispersed towards the bustling holiday market. Here, rows of tents offered a wide variety of goods, from handmade scarves to steaming cups of hot chocolate, all designed to combat the cold and enhance the festive atmosphere.
“That’s what we’re about at Benicia Main Street, we’re here to support downtown and just bring the community together,” Wachob reiterated, underscoring the organization’s mission.
Burgess echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of supporting local entrepreneurs. “There’s no smaller business than those businesses down there,” she remarked. “You just do not get better from grassroots support than shopping at the farmer’s market.” Her words highlighted the deep-rooted connection between community events and the vitality of small, local businesses.
The Benicia Christmas Parade and Holiday Market proved once again to be a resounding success, fostering a strong sense of community and holiday cheer. Despite the chilly weather, the warmth generated by shared celebration and local support was palpable, making it a memorable event for residents of all ages. The dedication of organizers and the enthusiastic participation of the community ensured that the tradition continues to thrive, bringing people together year after year. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of local engagement and the joy that can be found in simple, shared experiences during the holiday season.