Photos by Marie Mccolm The Monte Vista Parade of Lights was Saturday, Dec. 4, in downtown Monte Vista. A Tree Lighting ceremony took place on Saturday, Dec. 4, in Fullenweider Park before the parade in Monte Vista.

MONTE VISTA — Christmas lights could be seen everywhere on Saturday, Dec. 4, in downtown Monte Vista. The City of Monte Vista hosted a Tree Lighting ceremony at Fullenweider Park at 5:15 p.m.

Before the tree was lit, people sang traditional Christmas carols in the park. Mayor Dale Becker, his wife, Jennifer Becker, and City Manager GiGi Dennis-Lounsbury, spoke at the park.

Mayor Becker wished everyone a Merry Christmas, then announced that he was turning the ceremony over to new City Manager Dennis-Lounsbury.

“Well, I am just very honored to be here, to witness the lighting of the tree,” Dennis-Lounsbury said and wished everyone a Merry Christmas and that she hoped everyone would stay at the park and have fun.

Jennifer Becker led the crowd in a countdown and the tree was lit up at Fullenweider Park. People stayed at the park and admired the tree and sang more Christmas carols, before heading to watch or participate in the Parade of Lights at 6 p.m.

A decorated City of Monte Vista Police Department patrol car led the parade, followed by Jennifer Becker waving to the crowd from a decorated ATV Razor.

There were many more cars and floats in the parade along with trucks, a tractor, and even Santa Claus was in attendance, waving happily to the crowd.

The state champion Monte Vista High School Marching Band was in the parade, decked out with Christmas décor, playing Christmas music on the parade route.

The parade finished with a local firetruck honking and people inside of it waving to the crowd.