A 1957 Chevy carries holiday cheer through Orcutt on Saturday night as part of the Merry Christmas Car Train. 
A Christmas stocking on the license plate, lights and Santa hats give a classic Chevy a holiday theme. 
A classic car carries Christmas decorations and a sign saying “Keeping Orcutt Beautiful” as part of the Merry Christmas Car Train. 
A Santa Barbara County fire engine serves as the caboose for the Merry Christmas Car Train in Orcutt. 
A Christmas tree rides in style in the bed of a pickup truck.
The community of Orcutt decided not to let Grinch steal Christmas this year, choosing to instead hold a Merry Christmas Car Train.
Members of the Orcutt Lions Club organized the event, which traveled through Orcutt streets, as drivers and passengers shouted “Merry Christmas.”
Participants lined up on Rice Ranch Road near Broadway for the no-contact event aimed at meeting social distancing rules while celebrating the season.
Approximately two dozen cars, trucks, motorcycles and SUVs sported lights, wreaths, stockings, garland and more as they drove through the community in an unorganized procession.
In the days leading up to Saturday, those taking part were encouraged to deck their rides for the season while wearing costumes or pajamas.
Of course, face masks also were encouraged.
Pernell Rush, from American Legion Riders Post 534, served as the acting engineer for the car train.
Along the route, a smattering of spectators took up viewing spots on sidewalks or at the back of trucks to watch the procession as it traveled from Old Town Orcutt east on Clark Avenue and back.
The car train replaced the traditional afternoon parade, which had been canceled due to public health orders related to the coronavirus crisis.
Earlier Saturday, the Guadalupe Christmas Caravan, sponsored by the city and the Guadalupe Business Association, traveled through the small town in the northwest corner of Santa Barbara County.
Decorated vehicles delivered holiday cheer while driving along the routes on the east and west sides of the city. Participants later competed for prizes and bragging rights, with winners to receive prizes from local businesses.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.