Hometown Holiday Parade Beats the Rain

The annual Hometown Holiday Parade and tree lighting stayed ahead of most of the rain drops Saturday evening. Pleasanton residents- both those in the parade and those planning to watch the parade- had been anxiously watching the weather and waiting all day to find out of the annual holiday mainstay was going to prevail over the predicted bad weather.

The crowds were lighter than usual downtown but many die-hard residents braved the threat of bad weather to line Main Street to watch the parade. One of the parade-watchers along the parade route said "I watched the Doppler radar all day."

Over 90 floats were in the parade, which ran from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. All of the quintessential holiday favorites where among the procession- from marching bands to scouts, classic cars to Santa riding atop the newest fire engine recently commissioned into service for the Livermore Pleasanton Fire Department.

The parade was followed by music and the lighting of the holiday tree in front of the Museum on Main Street. Outgoing Mayor Jennifer Hosterman introduced the next and the current city council members, along with the newly elected members- Jerry Pentin and Karla Brown. Senator Ellen Corbett also attended the tree lighting.

"Whether you live here or are visiting, we are happy to have you," said Hosterman. "Pleasanton is a very special place and this is a very special time of year."

In the moments before the tree was lit, as holiday revelers awaited Santa's arrival to the stage, the rain drops started to fall and the chant started to rise, "Light the tree, light the tree."

Jolly old St. Nick himself, led Pleasanton in the lighting of their holiday tree for 2012.

Did you attend the parade and tree lighting? First time or annual tradition for you? Have a favorite float or moment? See anyone you know in our pictures! Give them a shout out and share this article. Tell us in the comments section below and share your pics by uploading them to this article.