Annual Lemoore Christmas Parade, despite the pandemic, will continue, but with a twist as parade watchers join the parade

Even with COVID-19, parade organizers say the show must go on to keep Lemoore’s annual Christmas Parade tradition alive.

However, in a bit of a turnabout, the parade watchers – who normally line D Street as the typical Christmas Parade winds its way from Follett to Olive Street – will be part of the annual parade as they remain in their cars as they cruise down D Street, viewing parade entries that have lined both sides of the downtown street between Follett and Olive.

This year’s holiday parade, organized by the Lemoore Recreation Department, will certainly adhere to COVID-19 rules, requiring all those participating or riding in cars or floats to wear masks. Organizers say that there may be up to five persons on the float following social distancing as well.

This year’s theme is “Favorite Christmas Characters.” There is no cost to enter this year’s parade.

The Recreation Department requires all “floats and parade entries” planning to participate by lining D Street, complete a registration form and mail it or bring it to the Rec Department, located at 721 W. Cinnamon Dr., Lemoore, CA. Entrants may also FAX their registration to (559) 924-6772.

To be clear, this year, the parade entrants will line up on both sides of D Street. They aren’t going anywhere as. Instead, the parade “watchers” will be doing all the parading Saturday night, according to officials with the Lemoore Recreation Department,

The Lemoore Recreation Department is asking that all community groups, churches, sports leagues, businesses, schools, and others interested in participating in the parade line up on D Street with their floats or decorated cars celebrating their favorite Christmas characters.

Recreation officials ask those floats and vehicles to be parked between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. in time for the 6 p.m. start.

Again, parade viewers will be in their vehicles as they enter off Cinnamon Avenue onto Follett Street, drive past the Lemoore Stadium Cinemas, and then on to D Street where they will cruise all the way to Follett, viewing the various floats and vehicles, which will remain parked on both sides of the street.