By Herb Moering

It was a perfect night for the “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” parade in Edinburg on Friday and Tomas Magdeleno was enjoying it fully while dressed in a complete Santa suit. The young man from Edinburg relaxed with family members as multiple parade units passed the reviewing stand on South Closner Boulevard.

The spectators lining the route sported lots of Christmas wear including Santa hats, antlers and lighted crowns and clothing with lights. Children were in abundance and happy to receive candy given out by those walking along the boulevard.

 

Edinburg Mayor Robert Molina was on the city’s float and paused briefly to give a few comments about the “Night of Lights” parade. Besides the many school, commercial and community floats, there were the high school marching bands, dance groups, a dozen motorcycles, customized autos, cheerleaders and a couple high school athletic teams. And one of the best aspects to the night were all the lights on the entries, plus many of the floats had holiday music to add to the fun of the evening.

Of course, the one person just about everyone was looking for was that jolly old fellow, Santa, who arrived in the traditional mode, on the Edinburg aerial ladder truck.

Judging of business, civic and school divisions were held just before the start of the parade, with trophies and awards chosen for the first three places in each category.

During the parade the jumbotron screen at the reviewing stand carried messages about other Edinburg events, such as the free “Holiday on the Promenade” now running through Jan. 2 and the Police Blue Santa drive-through toy giveaway at 9 a.m. Dec. 18.