City of Davis candlelight parade ignites community

By Gabby Cortez

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

The city of Davis hosted the 44th annual candlelight parade on Dec. 4, where the community was invited to participate in a parade through downtown Davis. The event started in the Davis co-op parking lot. Attendees of the parade were given wax candles to help light the way. 

“We’ve been coming out with our four kids for over a decade, and we’ve never used fake candles.” Davis resident Freeman Barsotti said. “The tradition is what keeps us coming back,” he said.

This year, there was a new revamped theme, and events were set to the theme of winter wonderland. Festivities included performances by the Davis High Jazz choir and many other local groups. 

“I came to support my friends in the choir performances and see the tree lighting,” junior Ireland Greenway said. For Greenway, the best thing about the night was the community coming together to celebrate.

Apart from the performances, families were able to buy treats like cookies, brownies, popcorn and hot chocolate to support the Davis High cheer team. There were also mascots such as Frosty the snowman roaming around, taking pictures with fans. 

Another highlight of the night was the free screening of the short film “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure” shown at Varsity Theatre. Crowds began to form around 6 p.m. in front of the theatre for the chance to catch a show.

“This is the first year where it’s more of a winter theme,” City of Davis Public Information Officer Barbara Archer said. “We thought we should change it up.”

In past years, the event had included the annual tree lighting, but since the tree lighting is now run by the Davis Business Association, the city of Davis opted to open it up to host more events and activities.

“It’s a nice time to gather with the whole community and patronize local businesses,” Archer said.