RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Rio Linda is gearing up for the holidays and a big part of that is the community Christmas tree and the Light Parade. The community Christmas tree is going to be chosen on Friday, November 26^th. On Saturday the light poles through town will be decorated and on Monday the Christmas tree will be decorated.

The lighting of the Christmas tree will take place on December 11^th, and will serve as the kickoff of the 6^th annual Rio Linda-Elverta Christmas Light Parade. The tree lighting is scheduled to take place at about 5:30 pm and the parade is scheduled to start at 6pm.

DOT (Department of Transportation) will begin closing the roads of the parade route between 3:00 and 3:30 pm on that day. DOT requires a 10 day notice for traffic disruption to homes and businesses along the parade route. Those will begin going out November 27^th.  This only happens once a year, so please plan accordingly.

The light parade is a highlight of Rio Linda-Elverta celebration of community for the holidays. Currently there are about 32 entries in addition to standard entries that don’t show up, such as Sue Frost, Metro Fire, Twin Rivers PD and Sac Sheriff.  Entries are still being accepted! There are two marching bands scheduled, the Big Beat Drum Corp (a 6^th grade band from Granite Bay) and the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band.

Sacramento Metro Fire Chief is scheduled to be one of the judges for the parade. The Honorary Mayor has been invited to judge as well. Including the Honorary Mayor is a tradition that is trying to be developed. One more judge is needed. If you have any ideas or contacts please contact Tabitha Worth, President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Please understand that the Mayor Judges may be affiliated with a group that has a float in the parade. However, the assumption of fairness and impartiality is given to the judges. This event is to celebrate the joy of the season with our neighbors, it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s all about fun and happiness.

If you are interested in being part of the event you can register at http://www.riolindamessenger.com/2021-rio-linda-elverta-christmas-light-parade-participant-registration/ and there is an entry fee of $20.88 (the 88 cents covers paypal).

The deadline for registration is Monday, December 6^th. No exceptions. There will be a mandatory participants’ meeting on Wednesday, December 8^th at 6 pm at the Grange Hall, located at 1315 G Street in Rio Linda.

The light parade is funded completely by donations from local businesses and staffed entirely by volunteers. Permits, licenses, traffic control and audio equipment are all funded by donations. It is not mandatory, but in the spirit of the season, there will be a place at check in for the donation of unwrapped toys that will go to the Rio Linda Lions Club “Ruby’s Basket” program. Those toys will go to underprivileged children for the holidays.

The parade route will be the same this year as it has been in the past. Parking for participants will be in the library parking lot. It will begin at Westside Elementary School located on West 2nd Street. It will travel north on West 2^nd St to M Street, where it will turn east and continue down M Street to MarVal Plaza parking lot.

As people line up on the parade route, and find their spots to view the parade, you are asked to be courteous and aware of those around you. Please stay on the side of the roads and do not crowd into the parade route. For safety reasons, the pathway needs to remain clear for the parade and any people that may be walking along with their floats.

There will absolutely be NO THROWING of anything from the floats. If entries want to have people walking along side of their floats to hand out candy, treats or flyers to the spectators, that is encouraged. However, please be aware that your group will be responsible for your own cleanup after the parade. Throwing candy is too dangerous at night time, so please be safe.

As always, this is a rain or shine event. So please be prepared for whatever weather is present. Above all, this is a community event. We want to celebrate the beauty of our community. Please help make sure our community still looks as beautiful when it’s over by cleaning up after yourselves. There is nothing like seeing so many smiling faces and happiness as what we see during this event. We encourage everyone to enjoy yourselves responsibly.