WATCH: Santa Maria Christmas Parade of Lights 2019
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The annual Santa Maria Parade of Lights has been confirmed for Saturday at 5:20 p.m.
The beloved parade almost didn't happen this year due to a potential forecast of heavy rain for the weekend, but the parade has received the all-clear from meteorologists to move forward.
This year marks the 25th edition of the parade under Rotary Leadership.
The Parade of Lights is expected to draw a crowd of 20,000-25,000 people this year.
More than 3,000 people are taking part in the parade alongside over 100 dazzling floats.
Floats will gather along West Stowell Road and proceed up South Broadway to the Santa Maria Town Center.
The line up includes familiar organizations such as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the Salvation Army and Volkswagen of America.
Cash prizes will be awarded to various entries totaling $4,500 along with one overall Sweepstakes award of $1,000.
The prizes will be given out to the best use of lights in various categories as well as best band and best marching group. First place prizes are $350 and second place prizes are $150.
The winners will be announced in the Santa Maria Times this Sunday.
The Santa Maria Times has been a major financial supporter of the event since 1994.
If you can't make it to the parade this year, you can watch it live on our website at kcoy.com at 5:30 p.m.
Street Closures
Broadway, from Enos to Main Street, will be closed by the Santa Maria Police Department for the parade at 4:00 p.m.
Stowell, from Broadway to Depot, will close at 3:00 p.m. to allow parade participants to assemble before the event.
In case of emergency, police officers will be stationed at the intersections of Cook and Jones Streets to allow people to cross Broadway.
