The Dos Palos community kicks off the holiday season on Dec. 5 with a parade at 6 p.m. A downtown tree lighting follows.
Parade organizer Shelley Wright emphasizes that there are no entry fees or forms. All entries simply show up behind the DES Hall on Mitchell Avenue at 5 p.m.
The students of Westside High School at George Christian Education Center step up again this year to help parade organization. Behind the DES Hall, Westside students will keep the entries in order by distributing entry numbers.
Everyone is asked to take particular caution in the organization area. Follow the directions of the students who will direct traffic.
After a trip down Blossom Street with a left turn onto Center Avenue, the parade culminates at the Scout Hut. There will be a City Tree Lighting ceremony at the Scout Hut Park.
Westside High School students have been busy making treat bags using donated candy. The Westside students who organized the entries will hand out treat bags at the park.
David “DJ” Azevedo with Team Bad Influence, encourages everyone with an RC, remote control vehicle, to participate. He encourages, “Decorate your RC vehicle and come on out. Show this small community how big the RC community is and can be.”
Azevedo adds, “We also will have mini bikes in this year’s Dos Palos Christmas parade. Those who want to ride, decorate your bikes and come on out.”
When asked to comment, Azevedo explained, “I like organizing RC vehicles and mini bikes for the parade and events in our community. It is positive, something for kids to look forward to.”
Azevedo adds, “As a small community, there is not a lot for kids, so that is why I started Team Bad Influence for RC and mini bikes. On the social media page, we post mini bike fundraisers and coming events for mini bikes and RCs.” The hope is they will be deterred from getting involved in drugs or gangs.
Team Bad Influence participates in RC and mini bike events and fundraisers throughout the greater area, not only in Dos Palos. Their next event after the parade is in Modesto on Dec. 7.
For RC vehicles or mini bike participation, contact DJ by sending a message to team.badinfluence on Instagram.
The Dos Palos Women’s Improvement Club presents “Christmas Bingo” on Dec. 8. This scholarship fundraiser is at the American Legion Building, 1601 Mable St. Doors open at noon. Games begin at 1 p.m.
The event is billed as “Family Fun.” This is a marvelous opportunity for little ones to join grandma and grandpa in marking those numbers.
The amazing game prizes and raffle prices serve as fine gifts or can be used for personal enjoyment. Bingo prizes include an espresso machine, an Instapot, a shop vacuum, a lottery scratcher basket and a fresh Christmas tree.
Special games offer a cooler filled with party beverages and a cash game. Cute raffle prizes include a Christmas wreath and desirable gifts.
Lunch, before and during bingo games, is prepared by Marc Porter of Hot Shots Coffee and Ice Cream. Women’s Improvement Club members will provide a variety of desserts.
For Christmas Bingo information call Peggy Jelen, organizer, at 209-752-0189.
Please see Dos Palos Theater and Entertainment on Facebook. They have a full December calendar including live holiday performances and get cozy classic Christmas movies.
The Westside High School Industrial Arts Program invites everyone in the surrounding area to their annual holiday bazaar. The event is on Dec. 10, from 4 until 5 p.m., 22368 South 6th St. in South Dos Palos.
(Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible jmiller@dospalos.org.)
