CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – A reverse Christmas parade for Citrus Heights families appeared at the corner of Sunrise and Arcadia on the afternoon of Saturday, December 5.

This year the parade was created by 330 vehicles carrying 834 children traveling slowly down Santa’s Magic Trail at the Citrus Town Center surrounded by towering balloons, glittery lights, fairies, loud music, entertainment and finally Santa Claus, which if the times were different this season would be the ones moving slowly down the parade route.

The parking lot in front of Staples was magically transformed into Santa’s Magic Trail on both sides of the parking lot, running the full length in front of Staples. Towering inflatable Toy Soldiers, Frosty, Abominable Snowman, Rudolf, and Grinch balloons and a myriad of smaller balloon scenes led to the different stops along the way.

You could see the delight in the faces of the children as they proceeded down the trail. Dressed in their pajamas they excitedly received a Santa hat and candy from ‘socially distanced’ Quill–the head fairy. They had their picture taken in their car by Santa’s helper Heather. They put their letters to Santa in his big red bag and got a hearty “Hello” and wave from him. At the end of the Santa’s Trail, Rick Svensek accepted spare change from the families to the tune of $543 to be donated to The Homeless Assistance Resourced Team (HART) which provides services for the homeless in Citrus Heights. A good time was had by all!

This event was made possible thanks to a collaboration between Sunrise Marketplace (SMP), Citrus Town Center, and Creative Marketing Arts (CMA) who put on the event. With most children’s events of all kinds being cancelled in 2020 CMA wanted to do something special and magical for the holiday this year and give the children something to look forward to.

The timing was perfect as this was the same weekend children would have been attending the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall. The same atmosphere of excitement and wonder found its way to this event and possibly the same number of children to enjoy it.

Citrus Town Center landlord, InterCal Real Estate funded the event. Owner Peter Bollinger also wanted to make the children happy during this time and give hope back to the community.

Other Christmas events are being planned in Citrus Heights. Check them out on the City of Citrus Heights, Citrus Town Center and Sunrise Marketplace websites.