SANTA MARIA, Calif. — The 25th annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and parade lit up downtown Santa Maria Saturday night.
The 24-foot tall Christmas tree was lit this year by 2-year old Josiah Ezra Gomez and his family. Josiah was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia over a year ago, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy and stem-cell transplants.
More than three thousand people participated in the Rotary Christmas Parade of Lights and more than 100 floats were featured.
Organizers say the parade almost didn't happen this year because of the rain that was forecasted.
Cash prizes were awarded to the most outstanding floats.
