La Cadena Drive is normally a fast moving thoroughfare through the city. It’s the main vein through the hustling bustling historic town of Colton. It branches off to nearly every essential street you can imagine, and is usually a pretty smooth cruise through the city. Saturday Dec 8th, that was not the case. All traffic was halted and the stage was set for families to gather along the route for the Colton Chamber of Commerce 44th Annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting at Civic Center. 2018 marked the first year that the Colton Christmas parade was held at night. The residents, city officials, and parade enthusiasts began to gather at 3 pm to take their places in line. The floats, classic cars, marching bands, and spirit teams centered around La Cadena and O Street in South Colton making last minute preparations. Costumes were being pinned together, live animals were being kept fed and happy, children were laughing and playing, photos were being taken and memories were being made. As thousands of residents and those having ties to the city lined the sidewalk creating a human border of cheerfulness and anticipation, the air was crisp and fresh. Dusk settled over the city and the lights began to glow. Over 40 entries participated in the parade. Featured were: CHS Band, CHS Cheer, GT Spirit Squad, Echoes of Love Ministry, Church Of Fire In Christ, Colton Cub Scout Pack 42, Colton Christian Church, nv361 Salon, Teamsters, Stare Bros, and many, many more. Colton’s Mayor Richard Dela Rosa served as Parade Grand Marshall and rode on his own festively decorated float. The parade route commenced from La Cadena and O Street as music filled the atmosphere, the crowd was excited, children were waving with smiles and everyone was wishing each other a very merry Christmas. The night was topped off with the parade ending near the Colton Civic Center. There, vendors were selling yummy treats like kettle corn, hot chocolate, specialty corn on the cob, and bacon wrapped hot dogs. There was no shortage of food, fun, or festival-goers! The city also featured the movie Anastasia on a jumbo screen set up for those willing to brave the chilly night air. The theme of this year’s parade was Christmas Lights Down Gingerbread Lane and the floats were judged according to the theme. Winning First Place was nv361 Salon, Second Place winner was The Door Christian Fellowship, and rounding out Third Place was Grand Terrace High School Spirit Squad. A good time was had by all and kudos to those who make it all happen behind the scenes, a great job by the Colton Chamber of Commerce and its new director and board for organizing the event.