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Christmas parade attracts more than kids

As the sun began to set around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, downtown Boulder City was still buzzing as people packed Nevada Way for Santa's Electric Night Parade. This annual event marked the 28th time in which local businesses, churches and schools decorated their floats and exhibited them for holiday admirers.

People from all over Southern Nevada came to catch some Christmas spirit, which included horse-drawn carriages and Boulder City fire trucks draped with colorful lights.

"This is my first year here," said Henderson resident Amber Allman, who came to see her stepdaughter play trumpet in the parade. "This is my favorite part, watching the kids perform. This is really for them."

Classic cars, including a vintage 1960s Rolls-Royce, roared through downtown as the parade proceeded. Children were seen waving from the sidelines to the participants riding the floats, who handed the youngsters miniature candy canes.

For some people, parades like this are something to appreciate, and not take for granted every year.

"A lot of small towns don't do these parades," said Linda Graham, president of Boulder City Community Club. "We are very fortunate to have these electrical shows every year; it brings the community together."

Graham, who has been living in Boulder City for seven years, recognizes just how important events like these are for a town that is so closely woven together.

"All the kids that went to take a picture with Santa at the Doodlebug Bazaar earlier in the day were all going to the parade after. It's a really neat experience," Graham said.

About 80 businesses and organizations such as Brenda's Dance and Tumbling Studio and the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association showcased their floats. One of the most special moments came at the start, when the Emergency Aid of Boulder City drove down the street with a sign that read, "Thank you from Emergency Aid. Boulder City helping Boulder City."

As the night was coming to a close, jolly old Saint Nicholas finally gave everyone the grand finale they were waiting for. Santa Claus drew applause and waves from everyone in the crowd as he wished a merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

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2015 Parade Winners

Judges' Choice

Boulder City United Methodist Fellowship

Band

Boulder City High School and Garrett Junior High, first.

Business

Boulder Dam Credit Union, first; Serenity Salon & Spa, second; Stoker Family Dental, third.

Community organization

Senior Center of Boulder City, first; Boulder City Museum and Historical Association, second; St. Jude's Ranch for Children, third.

Equestrians

It's Christmas on Horseback (Boulder City Horseman's Association), first.

Family

The Flintstones float, first.

Individual

Kaz Man, first; John Walker, second.

Marching dance unit

Brenda's Desert Dynamite, first; Dance Etc., second; Class Act, third.

Military

Chaparral High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, first; Eldorado High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, second; The Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, third.

Motor cars

Boulder City Off Road Enthusiasts-Bret Runion/Desert Sun Realty, first; High Rollers Chapters of Veteran Motor Car Club of America, second; Zelzah Shriners, third.

Other

Boss Transportation, first.

Pageant girls

Nevada Princesses, first; Miss Nevada Junior High, second; Cinderella Girls, third.

Religious organization

Faith Christian Church, first

Youth groups

Garrett Bobcat cheerleaders, first; Boulder City Little League, second; Boulder City Cub Scout Pack 12, third.

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