Dressed as Christmas presents, students from St. Mary of the Assumption School line up next their float while awaiting the start of the Santa Maria Parade of Lights on Saturday evening. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
El Camino Junior High School band students warm up before the Santa Maria Parade of Lights. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Santa Maria police Officer Ricky Arias, accompanied by four passengers sporting holiday hats, is ready to roll. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
The Rotary Clubs of Santa Maria Valley and Nipomo, organizers of the Santa Maria Parade of Lights, entered a float sporting the Rotary International logo. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Aboard the Downtown Trolley are, from left, Mayor Alice Patino and Council members Bob Orach, Etta Waterfield and Jack Boysen. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Students at St. Mary of the Assumption School are decked out as angels and gifts on the float awaiting the start of the Santa Maria Parade of Lights. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
A friendly drum battle breaks out among Orcutt Union School District and Orcutt Academy High School band members. Pictured are from left, Vincent Huizer, Brandon Plastino and Seth Hesselstein. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Children of Rabobank employees stand ready to walk in the Santa Maria Parade of Lights. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
St. Mary of the Assumption School students are decked out on their Christmas finest. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Students at St. Mary of the Assumption School are two of many angels on the school’s float awaiting the start of the Santa Maria Parade of Lights on Saturday evening. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo)
Bill Macfadyen is Noozhawk’s founder and publisher. Contact him at wmacfadyen@noozhawk.com, and follow him on Instagram: @bill.macfadyen. The opinions expressed are his own.
More by William M. Macfadyen, Noozhawk Publisher