While the day after Thanksgiving is traditionally called Black Friday for its holiday shopping madness, in Turlock it’s a day better known for light. The annual Festival of Lights will once again be held on Black Friday – Nov. 27 – in Turlock’s Central Park, located on the southwest corner of Golden State Boulevard and Main Street.

And a week later, on Dec. 4, the city will hold its annual Christmas Parade.

The Festival of Lights is organized by the Turlock Chamber of Commerce and the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association, and is co-sponsored by Vail Creek Jewelers and Turlock Dental Care. The parade is a city of Turlock event.

Travis Regalo, the executive director of the TDPOA, said the opening ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. on the main stage adjacent to the Central Station parking lot, and the tree-lighting will take place promptly at 7:30.

“We heard the feedback from the community, and we listened,” said Regalo, referring to confusion last year regarding start times for the opening ceremonies and the tree-lighting. “We’re growing, and we can’t do better if we don’t get feedback.”

Regalo also said that speakers will surround the park this year, making it possible for spectators in all regions to hear the ceremony, which will feature dancers from Alegria Performing Arts Academy and Backstage Academy of Dance.

“If there are other community organizations or individuals that want to showcase their talent, they can reach out to me and we’ll find a way to squeeze them in,” said Regalo.

The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. and several downtown stores will be open for business. Local restaurants will have grab-and-go items for hungry revelers, and food and craft vendors will line the streets. Carolers and musicians will be stationed throughout downtown to entertain.

You can get your picture taken with Santa Claus by local photographer Candy Padilla inside Rustic Roots, 231 E. Main St. And that foul ol’ Mr. Grinch might even stop by to try to spoil the fun. Kids can also take pictures with Santa’s elves, who will be roaming Main Street giving out surprises.

“And there’s a rumor that snow might be in the forecast,” said Regalo, hinting that there might be a man-made snow flurry in Central Park.

Storefronts are encouraged to decorate their windows as part of a citywide decorating contest.

“We’re going to announce the winner the following week before the parade,” said Allie Jeffery, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “The businesses asked for a little more time to decorate, and we were happy to be flexible.”

The Christmas parade will begin at the corner of Canal Drive and Main Street and begins at 6:30 p.m. It is currently full, with 81 entries.

The parade progresses approximately three-quarters of a mile before turning north onto Broadway and progressing another quarter-mile to Broadway Park.

A parade grand marshal has yet to be announced.

To contact Regalo with questions or concerns, call (209) 947-2091.