The Santa’s Electric Night Parade last night brought joy and laughter to many onlookers as it made its way thru town. The parade, in its 54th year, kicked off at 4:30PM with the board members of the Chamber of Commerce. Led by their president, Luana Fritz of A&W Restaurant, the group is responsible for many events in the city throughout the year, with the parade being one of their biggest spectacles each year. They are the sponsor for the parade. Boy Scouts Troop 7 presented the colors to those who stood at attention along the parade route.
This year’s Grand Marshals were the Patriot Guard Riders. Included in this group was Dan Cox and his wife, Zoe Martino-Cox, who readers may recall from our interview HERE. The Southern Nevada Patriot Guard Riders were the Gold Medal Recipients of the Governor’s Points of Light Award in a ceremony recently held in Las Vegas. They came “dressed to impress” with the group’s members mostly riding motorcycles festively decorated with lots and lots of lights! They were eagerly welcomed by those in attendance who greeted them with cheers and applause.
They were followed closely by members of the City Council and State and City officials in golf carts. State Senator Jeff Stone, Assembly Woman Danielle Gallant, Mayor Joe Hardy, and City Manager Taylour Tedder were on hand to wave to parade-goers along the route.
The parade also included the Boulder City High School Eagles Marching Band who sounded fantastic. We have a special little soundbite for BCHS alum over on our social media channels. B-C-H-S, Go, Fight, Win!!!
The Police and Fire Departments were present last night with their families. The Police Department brought their Mounted Patrol and showed off their new Mustang and Tesla electric vehicles. The Fire Department was busy selling hot cocoa to warm up the night for attendees along the route. The Police Department Mounted Patrol is always popular with the crowds and this year was no different. Led by Officer Scott Pastore, the group was supported by Boulder City Mounted Posse, a group of volunteers. You can learn more about the Mounted Unit HERE.
Also seen on the scene was Braxton Ott, Mr Multicultural American Nation 2022 who recently competed and won Mr Baby America Nation 2023. Braxton and his family are from Boulder City. We did a story on him HERE. His parents are Tasha Towne and Brandon Ott.
The parade continued with other entries from Las Vegas, including perennial favorites the Zelzah Shriners and National Park Service Bark Patrol, and local favorites like Dance, Etc, the Elks Lodge, Big John’s Towing, Boulder Dental and Downtown Dental, Desert Sun Realty – Bret Runion and Associates, Boulder Business Development, Boulder City Little League, and many more. There was also a sweet entry by the Avenue L and Avenue M neighborhood.
The second Grand Marshals of the parade were Ruben and Dixie Valdez of Ruben’s Woodcrafts. They were selected by local children. Ruben’s Woodcrafts, located in Hotel Plaza, is a woodcraft and specialty toy store. We told you about their fantastic Young Entrepreneurs Program last summer HERE.
Finally, the anxiously awaited Santa and Mrs Claus brought the parade to a close. They were also accompanied by Little Miss Boulder City, Cailey Robinson, and Little Mister Boulder City, Oliver Shuman. Jingle Cat was also aboard Santa’s sleigh to remind us that Christmas has officially begun in Boulder City.
The parade, as usual, was emceed by Jill Rowland-Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and Mike Pacini. It wouldn’t be the same without Jill and Mike on the mics! It was a magical night and we are so thankful for all the wonderful folks in Boulder City who make this town so special.
