Joy to the World Peace on Earth

By Craig Smith

Christmas Tree Lighting • Veterans Park • Wed. Nov. 26th 6 p.m.

Napa Christmas Parade • Sat. Dec. 6th 5 p.m.

Picking the theme for this year’s holiday activities in Downtown Napa was easy. “The Downtown Napa Association (DNA) board members chose ‘Joy to the World and Peace on Earth,’” said Bill La Liberte, Executive Director of the DNA, the organization that organizes the events. “It’s a great time of year to reflect on how we can all support each other.”

The holiday celebrations begin with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Veterans Park. Wednesday, November 26 at 6 p.m., Mayor Scott Sedgley will lead the community in a countdown to light the tree. Volunteers will be on-hand giving out free cookies, provided by Sweetie Pie’s. Hot chocolate will be donated by Downtown Joe’s, as they have since the tree lighting in Veterans Park began. Entertainment will come from local children’s groups, who will dance and sing before the Mayor leads the countdown to light the tree. This year, the tree will be moved to the staging area of Veterans Park. “The trees in the park are getting bigger, and moving it front and center will make it easier to see from all directions,” said Bill.

The Christmas parade is Saturday, December 6 at 5 p.m. Three cash awards of $500 each will be given to the parade judges’ selections in three categories: Best Use of Lights, Best Theme-Oriented, and Best Use of Music. Anyone can enter the parade, and it’s free. Whether you choose to build an elaborate float, simply march along with your group, or just watch, the Napa Christmas parade is a hometown tradition that has grown over the years.

The parade begins on Second Street at School, heads east on Second to Brown, then north to Third, and finally west back to School Street. Judging takes place on Third Street in front of the courthouse, across from the Second Street garage. All groups are recognized and introduced at the stage.

Old Saint Nick will set up shop in the lobby of the Visit Napa Valley Welcome Center near the corner of First and Randolph Street this year, as soon as he wraps up the Christmas parade, around 6:30 p.m. He’ll bring a staff of Elves who will pass out candy canes, and the Welcome Center will have plenty of hot chocolate on hand for everyone. All the little ones have to do is bring their wish list and tell Santa what they want. Santa will do his best to fill all those requests.

The parade Grand Marshal this year is Joe Peatman, founder and owner of Downtown Joe’s at 902 Main Street. When asked how he felt about being the parade honoree, Joe said he was both, “Humbled and embarrassed! Thanks to the Downtown Napa Association and the community for the great honor. The tradition of great parades and Honorable Marshals has been going strong for a century. The Oberon Building, where Downtown Joe’s is located, has long served as a hub for local activity.” He added, “It is my joy to continue this service. I’m grateful and blessed for all the support Downtown Joe’s has and does receive from our citizens and visitors.”

The Kiwanis Club of Napa helps with parade set-up, emcee and judging for awards. The Vintage High School Performing Arts Dance, led by Lisa Sullivan, will again make sure Santa makes his entrance surrounded by Elves, as they have for over ten years. And a special shout out goes to the staff and elected officials of the City of Napa. Most of what they do is largely unseen – planning to make sure the event is safe, road closures and overseeing closed intersections during the parade and clean up.  Sponsors include the, City of Napa, Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine and the Downtown Napa Association.