PALMDALE – Thousands lined 5th Street West in Palmdale Saturday to watch floats, school bands, horses, motorcycles, cheerleaders, drill teams, local queens and Santa Claus at the Palmdale Christmas Parade.
Themed “Christmas Everyday,” the parade had more than 100 entries and featured Palmdale City Manager, Steve Williams, as the Grand Marshal.
Williams is retiring from 24 years of employment with the City of Palmdale at the end of the year.
The parade kicked off around 10 a.m. and continued until about 1 p.m.
Highlights of the parade (judging by the reactions of the crowd) were the Palmdale and Rancho Vista Community Queens, the Palmdale High School Cheerleaders, the High Desert Obedience Club and Talk of the Town’s Finest Drill Team.
Spectators gasped as the three Palmdale Community Queens came down the parade route, encased in a Christmas tree ornament. “That is brilliant,” one lady exclaimed, before snapping a picture.
Also, eliciting “oohs and aahs” from the crowd were the Rancho Vista Community Queens, who literally roasted marshmallows beside a Christmas tree as part of their parade display.
The Palmdale High School Cheerleaders garnered rousing applause from spectators when they launched into a cheer followed by a formation that ended with one member upside down.
One little pooch from the High Desert Obedience Club stole the show. Dressed from head to toe as an elf, the little dog stood on his hind legs to command a sleigh.
The Talk of the Town’s Finest Drill Team was the talk of the parade Saturday, dazzling spectators with several high stepping dance routines.
Parade entries were judged by the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association and awards were scheduled to be presented at Robertson’s Palmdale Honda following the parade.
See the parade winners here.
Check out 73 pictures from the Palmdale Christmas Parade by visiting our facebook page.