“My Favorite Memories of the San Jose Holiday Parade”

The San Jose Holiday Parade is holding a short essay contest and the topic is about you! We want to hear your favorite San Jose Holiday Parade memory from the past 25 years.

“We Want Your Story” Essay Contest Winners

Kindergarten - Second Grade

“ This is my favorite parade in the whole entire world. I like it because it makes my heart surprised. I like to watch parades on TV.”

Trevor McFadden, San Jose, CA

Third – Fifth Grade

“ When I was almost seven years old, I was so extra excited to go to the Holiday Parade! I kept bothering my Nana and Papa saying, “are we going yet?” My papa finally said yes we can go now. I was so excited to see Santa Claus the third time. I thought it would be fun to see Santa again. My favorite part about going to the parade was seeing the giant balloons. The worst part was it started raining really hard. I was scared because I heard thunder for the first time in my life! What was amazing was when it stopped raining. I was so surprised. The parade was almost over and I was tired of standing up. Next I saw Santa Claus on his float, he said to me, “Hey I remember you from last year!”

Rowen Dotson, San Jose, CA

Ninth – Twelfth Grade

“ Last year, our little dance group was actually performing in the San Jose Holiday Parade. On the day of the parade, we woke up extra early to get our hair and makeup perfect. At around 7:00 AM, we piled into vans heading downtown. Once we got there, everyone had to double up on jackets because it was so cold. Despite the cold, it was very exhilarating seeing the gorgeous floats and the hundreds of people dressed in color costumes doing last minute practices. Everybody was on their toes eager to get called to perform in the parade next. When we got out there with everyone watching, I could not believe my eyes that so many people came out to bask in the Christmas spirit! This year, in celebration of the 25th anniversary, I am certain that this time will be as good as the last time!”

Melanie Tang, San Jose, CA

Adult

“ In 1995, my husband and I took our children for their first holiday parade. Maritza was 2 -years old and our son Everett, was 9 months old. Little did I know that Maritza was going to join the parade. The moment she saw Barney, she took off like a sprint runner to chase him down for a hug and I had to chase after her. The crowd was laughing and cheering for us! I caught up to her and Barney and I tapped him on the shoulder, which he didn’t feel. I stood in front of him and waved my arms in the air to tell him that my daughter wanted a hug. The moment he turned to hug her, she changed her mind! Not knowing what to do, I hugged Barney instead. What a memory we share with Barney!”

Martha Bravo Perrault, San Jose, CA

*All contest winners received the San Jose Holiday Parade 2006 Producers Package. Trevor McFadden won additional prizes as the Grand Prize Winner selected randomly from the winners.