An estimated 6,000 people flooded the streets of downtown Hanford Friday evening to see the annual Christmas parade.

Everything from school bands with glimmering instruments emitting holiday music, to humming antique cars jolting their engines, to a jolly Santa Claus sitting atop of a fire truck with twirling red lights, helped ring in the holiday spirit.

A slew of people lined up along the edges of downtown streets to watch the evening parade that lasted more than an hour, during which 113 entries passed by.

Some took seats hours before to get good views of the parade. Many sat in chairs, sipping foamy hot chocolate during a chilly evening, while others twirled fluorescent glow sticks amid the nighttime darkness. Still others munched on hot popcorn which spilled out onto the ground.

Many of the visitors came to the parade as part of their family tradition.

"I've been coming since I was a little kid," said Hanford resident Derek Lawrence.

Now 18, he came without his parents to see Santa Claus in the parade.

Others came for the first time, astounded by the little children on the many floats.

"They're very cute," Christina Valdez, 18, of Hanford said of the children. "The parade is done very nicely. I like the kids and their performances."

Indeed, children were a major part of the parade, as they marched along in school bands and stood in floats decorated with white Christmas lights.

According to interviews, though, the favorite entries in the parade were the antique cars. One car jolted its engine so hard, it rocked up and down as it sputtered its way forward. Another vehicle sprayed orange fire from its tailpipe as it roared forward. The fire was a stark contrast to the darkness of the night.

"The classic cars are my favorite," said Erik Rodriguez, 18, of Hanford.

Some also came to see the community unify, in a showcase of holiday spirits where family members get together.

"I like all the floats and how Hanford is united," said Fran Vega, 17, of Hanford.

Many like Frank Brieno, 29, of Hanford, appreciated the hard work put into the parade.

"It's harder than it looks," Mike Bertaina, chairman of the Christmas Parade committee, said about putting the parade together.

But he added, "the parade gets you into the Christmas spirit. Christmas is finally here."

The reporter can be reached at 583-2423.

Hanford Christmas Parade awards

Float, Christmas Story: 1st Hanford Christian School; 2nd Hanford Nursing & Rehab.

Float, Commrcial: 1st Hanford Liberty Chrysler; 2nd Black Bear Diner & Ryan's Place restaurants.

Float, Community: 1st Kings Harvest 4-H; 2nd Puppies on Parade.

Marching Units, Drill Team: 1st Kings County Boot Camps' Rifle Drill Team; 2nd Hanford West High School NJROTC Armed Drill Team.

Marching Units, Color Guard (US flag teams): 1st American Legion Post #3; 2nd Hanford West High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers.

Baton Twirlers, 6-10: 1st Dynamic Twirlers.

Baton Twirlers, 11-18: 1st Dynamic Twirlers.

Mounted (equestrian) Group Riders: 1st Riverdale Rodeo Association; 2nd Laton Lions Club.

Decorated Trucks (75%): 1st Richard's Pro Street Taco Roach Coach; 2nd 4x4 Christian Wheelers.

Restored Autos & Trucks: 1st Old Illusions Car Club; 2nd Louie Simas '56 T-bird, green.

Modified Autos & Trucks: 1st Jack Lehn; 2nd Masterminds Car Club.

Fire Truck: 1st Hanford Fire Department with Santa; 2nd Kings County Fire Department, Armona.

Novelty Autos & Trucks: 1st Dancers Edge; 2nd Michael J. Edwards.

Bicycle: 1st Cub Scout Pack 400; 2nd Yuletide Cyclers.

Special Entry: RJ 1st Nuetra Dancers; 2nd FTG Embroidery, D&S Screenprinting & In Style Limousine.

Special Awards -- "Holiday Memories": Theme: Hanford Nursing & Rehab; Best of Lights: Kings Harvest 4-H; Agnes Teixeira Memorial Sweepstakes: Hanford Christian School.

(All awards may be picked up at the Hanford Chamber of Commerce).

(Nov. 29, 2008)