Here in Palm Springs, it's not easy to get in the Christmas mood. We don't get snow on the desert floor, nor do we have cold temperatures typically associated with Christmas season. Instead we rely on other cues to get in the holiday spirit. The Annual Festival of Lights parade is one such event. It features over 100 floats and parade entries with thousands of strings of lights gliding down Palm Canyon Drive to cheering onlookers. The event attracts close to 100,000 spectators each year and includes locals and international tourists as well. The floats include everything from firetrucks, big rigs, mobile homes, tractors and vintage cars, and regular vehicles all decorated with fabulous festive lights. It also features horses, camels, dogs, marching bands, elected officials and celebrities too. I didn't have too many good photos of my own, so I "borrowed these" from the Desert Sun. I hope they get you in the Christmas mood!
above: True to our western desert heritage, a cowboy on a horse, with lights of course.
above: this neat truck carried Frosty the Snowman
above: I like this photo, with the horses and palm trees in the background.
above: What's a parade without a beauty queen? Here is Miss California
above: Santa makes his appearance
above: Vintage firetrucks line up
above: Even camels participated in this year's parade.
Yes, indeed Christmas is here. What does your community do to usher in the holiday season? Go ahead, leave a comment. Don't be a Scrooge!
-Rick Rockhill
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