-By DuPree Dial

Ebeneezer Scrooge photo by Rick Evans.

–A few rain drops certainly didn’t deter many from strolling Saturday night, along Vine Street, at the 30th annual Vine Street Christmas Showcase and Parade in Paso Robles. As the sky turned dark, Vine Street came alive and the Paso Robles Bear Cats high school band started the parade off, trailed by community leaders in cars loaded with Christmas lights and cheer.

Photo by DuPree Dial.

For 14 blocks of brightly lit, festively decorated Victorian houses, visitors got to fall back in time with storytellers, a nativity scene, Mr Scrooge, carolers and Santa himself. Some houses or businesses hosted dancers, music, hot cider, popcorn, hot chocolate and chestnuts on the fire. There were quite a few homes that were decorated to the max, memorizing kids and kids at heart, including myself. It’s a tradition for many.

Photo by DuPree Dial.

Sean Moore of Paso Robles said, “I’ve been coming to this parade since I was a kid and I really like seeing all the hard work that so many people do… It’s cheery, fun and you can’t get more Christmas than this!”

Photo by Rick Evans.

People seemed to enjoy not only the thousands of lights and decorations along the street but also the people watching as they walked shoulder to shoulder with people of all ages. Vine Street homes weren’t the only ones decorated. Parents pushing toddlers in decked out strollers to people with their dogs all wrapped in lights, ornaments and holiday hats. Everyone got into the holiday spirit.