Parade, food – and snow – to open the season in Shafter

Get ready for a magical evening on Friday, Dec. 6, when the Shafter Christmas Parade and Festival brings snow to Mannel Park, thanks to the Lions Club.

The festivities will kick off at 4:30 p.m., offering a feast for the senses with a diverse range of dishes. From Mexican favorites to Korean delights, there will be something for every craving. Sip on specialty drinks such as hot chocolate, champurrado (a warm, thick Mexican chocolate beverage) and freshly brewed coffee, or indulge in sweet treats such as cotton candy, kettle corn and a variety of holiday desserts. Whether you're looking for dinner or just a snack, there will be plenty of choices.

Lions Club President and Councilmember Gilbert Alvarado, who has been working with his team to bring this event to life, invites everyone to "come hungry, enjoy a delicious meal and enter the raffle to win one of the beautifully lit Christmas trees. Listen to music, play games and let the little ones bounce the night away in the bouncy houses."

At 6:30 p.m., the Christmas wonder continues with a parade featuring over 40 entries, including floats, cars, trucks and marching bands, all decked out in holiday cheer. "Our team has been working hard all year for this, and this year, we're adding snow, something we've never had before," Alvarado adds.

After the parade, the grand finale of the evening will be Santa's special arrival from the North Pole, ready for photos and to hand out gifts to the children. It's an event filled with food, fun and festive cheer for all ages.

The parade starts at the corner of Tulare and Mannel avenues. Contact Alvarado at 661-292-0538 for more details.