After the successful revival of the Keyes Fall Festival Parade—a tradition the town has not seen in 30 years—back in October, it only seems natural for the Keyes community to host a nighttime Christmas parade for the first time.

“At the Fall Festival Parade, hundreds of people showed up, so many people wanted to do a Christmas parade,” said parade committee member Jeff Reed. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s what the people wanted and bringing the community together makes it a better place to raise our kids.”

According to Reed, the parade will contain an estimated 14 floats made from organizations including the California Highway Patrol, Girl Scouts, and the 209 Rustbuckets Car Club. Several families have also participated and submitted entries for the parade.

Following the parade, Keyes Movie at the Park will host a collection of activities for guests at the Haven of Hope Church, including music, games and a concession stand that will benefit the Keyes Sports Association.

Other activities include an appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, free cookies and coffee, a chance to enter a raffle to win an autographed picture of Brandon Belt from the San Francisco Giants and a free screening of "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" at 7:30 p.m.

“This parade is important because we’re such a small town and we’re just trying to get the community back together and having fun again,” said parade committee member Jeff Greener. “Being that this is the first Christmas parade, we’re hoping people come out and enjoy the parade.” 

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. today. Floats will travel from the Keyes Fire Department on 7th Street to the Haven of Hope Church.  For more information, call 602-3012.