"We're trying something new this year."
-Adrienne Chaney, Parks and Recreation Department director
Christmas music cut through the cold night air in downtown Patterson on Saturday as hundreds lined up for the Electric Parade.
Lights hung from dozens of floats, showering Plaza Circle in a white glow. A man dressed in a red suit and bushy beard presided over the evening’s festivities.
“It’s kind of cold. Are you sure you want to wait in the line for Santa?” a woman asked a young boy.
“Are you kidding?” was his only response.
For others, it was the adult who provided the motivation.
“I don’t want to,” a young boy whined.
“Oh, you’re doing it,” a woman responded. “And you’re going to smile.”
It was all part of the annual festivities hosted by the city of Patterson and Patterson-Westley Chamber of Commerce. This year’s event also included a toy and clothing drive.
 Children and families lined up to take photos with Santa. Photo by Elias Funez / Patterson Irrigator
Before Santa — available for pictures, he rode high on a float in the annual Electric Parade. Dozens of others joined him and kept the tradition going.
Meanwhile, another annual tradition did not happen this year — the city opted not to put up the big Christmas tree that typically stands in the city’s South Park.
“We’re trying something new this year,” said Adrienne Chaney, Patterson’s director of parks and recreation.
Instead of one massive tree, businesses set up nearly a dozen small in the park. Employees at an Italian eatery put wine under their tree. Hardware store employees decorated their tree with garden supplies and tools.
 On-lookers inspect the variety of decorated trees in the South Park. Photo by Elias Funez
One family put a new twist on the tree tradition with their entry. Jenifer and Ron West decorated a living pine tree with handmade edible ornaments, though the treats probably would not appeal to many people. The popcorn strings and seed-covered apples were there to attract birds.
“It’s like the birds are the actual ornaments,” Ron West said.
He plans to plant the tree at his home just east of Patterson.
The West’s eco-friendly twist didn’t impress everyone.
“It looks like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree,” a young onlooker said.
 Even Elvis made an appearance during the Christmas Electric Parade. Photo by Elias Funez
The smaller trees will likely make an appearance again next year, Chaney said. As for the big tree, it’s uncertain if that tradition will continue. A lot of people expressed their disappointment that the tree wasn’t included this year, Chaney said.
As a result, the parks department decorated one of the park’s trees in South Park on Tuesday.
To reach John Saiz at the Irrigator, call 892-6187 or e-mail him at
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