Holiday festivities continue with Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas

NIPOMO, Calif. - Hundreds gathered for the 8th Annual Olde Towne Nipomo Family Christmas on Sunday.

Created in 2017, the popular event features a nighttime parade down East Tefft Street, followed by a community Christmas tree lighting at the corner of East Tefft Street and Thompson Avenue, as well as a Christmas marketplace featuring local vendors.

Area businesses, organizations, youth sports teams, schools and other groups created bright lit holiday-decorated floats for families to enjoy.

“It's awesome! It's a great year for the community to get together and just enjoy, being together and sending out candy. You know, it's all about giving out," said Troy Simonson from Nipomo.

“It's getting better and better every year, so we appreciate it," said Nicole Bowen from Nipomo.

BStrongLife Campus Clubs hosted the event with the help of local sponsors like the Brackett Family Heritage Foundation, Premiere Gold Sponsor CHC - Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, and Silver Sponsor Coast Hills Credit Union.

“In my heart, it showed that, wow, Nipomo can be strong," said Kathleen Hernandez with BStrongLife Club. "It really does feel good to know that we're being able to do something that brings families together. And some people say it feels like a hallmark movie moment.”

Crystal Alley, the wife of News Channel's Dave Alley, who also emceed the event, was honored as this year's Grand Marshal and kicked off the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

“It was really cool," said Crystal Alley. "I don't know if I ever thought lighting a tree would be enjoyable but it was. It felt so good. I felt the love of the community. That’s everything."

Alley was honored and recognized for her efforts as a longtime community volunteer and supporter for many local youth sports leagues, committees and non-profit organizations.

“I do it because I love the community," said Alley. "It's the best. I love all the families, the kids. It makes me happy.”