A longstanding tradition, the annual Valley Home Lighted Christmas Parade officially ushered in the holiday season on Saturday evening.

With the brightly lit parade entries making a loop around the block three times, leaving from and returning eventually to the parking lot outside the school’s multipurpose room, there was music, candy being tossed, even firefighters handing out the plastic firefighter helmets to youngsters along the parade route.

Members of the small community turned out in force, with entries in the parade ranging from a backhoe draped with strings of Christmas lights to kids riding in the back of pick-up trucks or on flatbed trailers.

Serving as Grand Marshals for this year’s parade were longtime residents Larry and Mary Ann Fraguero.

“Well, it’s an honor,” a humble Larry Fraguero said as he rode shotgun in the pick-up truck being used to carry he and his wife in the parade. “Both my wife and I realize it’s really something.”

Spending many years in the cattle business until selling off the herd about two years ago, the 92-year-old Fraguero said he and his wife have definitely enjoyed living in Valley Home, embracing the small-town charm.

For her part, wife Mary Ann was happy to have a place of honor in the parade.

“Just enjoying being waited on,” she said, chuckling.

And as far as a Christmas – without snow – in Valley Home, she said some of her favorite memories of holidays past do involve being in the snow.

“I used to live in Colorado and always wanted snow,” she said.

Entries for the parade were lined up well in advance of the 6:30 p.m. stepping off time and the crowd also arrived to cheer them on.

Even some decorated bicycles joined in the fun, along with the various tractors, ATVs, one royal equestrian entry, the fire department and more.

The Grand Marshals then had the opportunity, after the parade, to light the Community Christmas Tree set up in the Valley Home Park.

Following the singing of a couple Christmas carols, the crowd was excused to the nearby pavilion. There, cookies of all varieties were set up for tasting and, if you chose, to take home. Fire pits were scattered about the park and the ingredients to make s’mores were provided. There was also hot chocolate to help ward off the chilly night air.

The evening itself was clear and bright, providing the perfect backdrop for the holiday gathering.