Note: This article is one of a series celebrating Mariposa Memories and was originally published on December 7, 2011.

On Saturday, December 3, 2011 the evening weather was clear and a little bit chilly as the crowd lined Highway 140 to see the parade. Local residents and tourists alike gathered for this 2nd Annual Merry Mountain Christmas Evening Parade. The parade was organized by the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce. The Merry Mountain Christmas Parade rolled down Highway 140 to the delight of everyone in attendance as everyone and everything was all aglow with colored lights. The award winning 'Pride of the Sierra' Mariposa County High School Grizzly Band's instruments were decked out in bright lights and the many floats, mounted horses and fire trucks were festively decorated.

 

Once the parade ended people in the crowd judged the parade a success. Many said they look forward to having the parade in the evening hours again next year and are planning on how to add more lights to make it even better.

After the parade Santa visited with all of the excited children who were anxiously gathered at the downtown Art Park. Santa listened to the all the good little girls & boys as they told him their special Christmas wishes. The night came to an end after Santa's elves handed out candy canes and all of the happy children picked out a book from Santa's gift table.