Light Parade dazzles and spreads holiday cheer

Castro Valley celebrated its annual Light Parade on the evening of Nov. 11. The parade itself featured the floats from Castro Valley elementary and middle schools, as well as the many small businesses which accounted for 65 entries total.

CVHS students who were part of the parade, mainly did so through volunteer work. “Volunteering at the light parade was a really fun experience,” stated freshman Tanvi Gadwal. “I got to be surrounded by my friends and the Castro Valley community. As a volunteer, I helped keep the actual parade itself going. I led cheers and chants, and made sure our float was going in order. I volunteered with my friend Heldana Dame, and that made the experience 10/10,” she said.

Hosted by the Castro Valley Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, the Light Parade was more popular than ever. Over 15,000 community members came to observe the assortment of what the parade had to offer.

The theme this year was “Honoring our Veterans” which appropriately fell on Veterans Day. Several floats were decorated in red, white, and blue in celebration of the theme and the veterans of Castro Valley.

“It was good, although there were some annoying kids sitting by me,” said senior Maggie Wilmott.

The event began at 3 p.m with vendors, festivities, and even a dance-off between the mascots representing Castro Valley schools. The parade itself started up at 5:30 p.m. and ended with the beloved Santa float. 

“The lights were very beautiful and vibrant,” Wilmott said. “The parade is a good start to the holiday season.”