Chilly weather set the stage for annual winter wonderland at 12th annual holiday event

Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun

     ALPINE — Though delayed for two weeks, the annual Alpine Light Parade that flowed down Alpine Boulevard last Friday night, Dec. 14, was triumphant. Alpinians came out in the chilly weather to witness fire engines, golf carts, quads, tractors, customized motor homes, and even dogs behind a miniaturized Waste Management truck strut their stuff draped in twinkling lights through our little town.
     This year boasted more lighted floats and parade marchers than in previous years, including local resident Captain Duncan D. Hunter, just back from Afghanistan, who is also running for his father’s seat as the local representative in Congress.
     Santa was available in more than one place for this awaited annual event, first riding high atop an Alpine Fire Protection District truck, tossing candy canes to onlookers. When everything flowed by in the parade all were welcome for a winter wonderland down at the Community Center. The big man in red was again available at the community center for photos with children and adults alike.
     This year, San Diego Ice Company made the snow for the fluffy yet icy white hill for snow sledding experts to careen down. The colorful scene that took place at the hill included boy scouts from local troop 105, who helped not only to catch the sliding public, but also to maintain the slope and to man the supply of sleds keeping them in constant motion by running back up the hill after rides were over to the awaiting thrill seekers.
     New this year was an area of snow that was just to play in. Many children enjoyed snowball battles, and the opportunity to try to build a snowman. Christmas Santa hats were everywhere, and so were mittens, gloves, scarves and jackets, though there was still the occasional oddity in shorts, sandals, and just a vest to keep warm. Among all those present, a treat was found in a Shepherd and an angel, leading a goat through the crowd.
Gerry Turro manned an Alpine Lite 107.9 booth, while local radio personality Chuck Taylor walked through the crowd chatting with friends and neighbors.
     The Alpine Kiwanis were present with their trailer ready to serve a hot snack or meal. Hot Chocolate and cider was available at the Viejas booth. These goodies added to the pounds and pounds of candy, flung out at bystanders during the parade, contributed to the party atmosphere. Alpine Boulevard was left a mess of shattered candy canes after all of the floats had made their way down towards the community center.
     As festivities began to wind down, people could hear the voices from students and staff at Alpine Academy who sang Christmas Carols at the entrance of the parking lot.