2012 Solvang Julefest Parade Winners Revealed

This morning (Saturday, December 8, 2012), the sun shone warmly on 750+ participants in 50 parade entries as they, marched, rolled, trotted and strolled along festively decorated Mission Drive, Copenhagen Drive and adjacent streets. Thousands of spectators from near and far enjoyed the parade as well as free, post-parade visits with Santa in his sleigh in Solvang Park.

The Julefest Parade and all Julefest events are sponsored by the Solvang Conference & Visitors Bureau under the leadership of Executive Director Tracy Farhad supported by the City of Solvang, the Santa Ynez Valley Hotel Association and dozens of local businesses. Shannon Hazard served as Parade Coordinator and Laura Kath was Parade Announcer. Serving as volunteer judges for this year’s parade were area residents Joan Blasjo, Bill Peden, Kim Peden and William Morton. Ms. Hazard announced the following “Award Winners” for the 2012 Julefest Parade and trophies were given to:

Best Theme Oriented (Sharing Holiday Cheer): Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Led by rescue dog mascots Lucy and Bentley with wagging tails along with their human owners and friends, this strolling group of “wine hounds” fully embraced the concept of sharing cheer.

Best Float: 26th Annual Community Nativity Pageant

Santa Ynez Valley area churches united to bring the “Christmas Story” to life on this large float featuring portrayals of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, Wise Men and angels accompanied by shepherds and live animals. The Nativity Pageant will be held this year on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at the outdoor Solvang Festival Theater (420 Second Street). Enjoy a choir, actors in traditional costumes, and live animals on stage. There are two FREE performances at 5pm and 7pm, with seating on a first come, first entertained basis.

Best Equestrian Entry: Los Padres Trail Riders

Horses and riders were decked out in holiday finery and made for an impressive sight trotting along the route. This group of equestrians is dedicated to the maintenance, development and advancement of Santa Barbara County trails, trail use and horseback riding.

Best Vehicle Entry: The Solvang Trolley carrying Solvang Chamber of Commerce Board Members

Pulled by two magnificent draft horses, the Solvang Trolley (also known as the Honen) carried Solvang Chamber of Commerce board members decked out in their holiday finery. The Solvang Trolley is a replica of an 1800’s Danish streetcar trotting around the village since 1964; and has been owned and operated by the Orona family since 2007.

Best Musical Entry: Santa Ynez Valley Union High School Marching Band

Under the direction of Cameron Clarno and Drum Majors Colson Cluff, Noah Wietz and Kathy Benson, this group of talented musicians brought a festive selection of holiday music to the parade.

Best Performance Group: South Coast Karate

Under the direction of Brian Jordan, colorfully uniformed young students performed a series of synchronized martial arts moves and concluded with a resounding Merry Christmas shout out to the delight of the crowd.

Best Overall Entry: Solvang School Music Department and Viking Warrior Voices

Under the direction of Matthew Schick and Lynni Gilfrey, this large group of children in grades Kindergarten through eighth grade shared their enthusiastic holiday cheer with favorite seasonal songs.

Many open houses, holiday musicals, and special events will be taking place throughout Solvang during Julefest through January 4, 2013. For more information please call 805-688-6144, stop by the Solvang Visitors Center at 1639 Copenhagen Drive (open daily 9am-5pm) or visit SolvangUSA.com.