Pleasanton Downtown Holiday Parade

With the Amador Valley and Foothill marching bands pounding into the night, and the famous “mopsters” dancing their jiggle, the annual Pleasanton Downtown Holiday Parade again attracted crowds of hundreds of people looking for a chance to live the holiday spirit, take a sip of hot chocolate, or just a chance to meet up with family friends or relatives.

This year’s parade also featured a traditional Chinese women’s dance troupe, some martial arts performances, and of course, dozens of local Boys and Girls Scouts floats. Parents and their children happily lined Main Street to watch the procession go forward. At exactly 7:00 pm, the Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus officially lighted the Christmas Tree in town square. The event also featured holiday music with singers, dancers, and musicians playing a variety of instruments, including trumpet, saxophone, and even percussion.

Our wonderful Mayor and City Council also gave their speeches to lighten up the holiday fest. As everyone reveled in the grand yet small-town celebration – a celebration of Christmas, Hannukah, and many other ceremonies of diverse faiths, the city came together to once again form a communal spirit that has lasted since the founding of the “City of Planned Progress.”

It is truly a privilege to live in Pleasanton. As we look to the past, present, and the future, we will always remember what a wonderful town we all live in.