The Old Town Orcutt Christmas Parade returned Saturday, drawing families and spectators to the sidewalks of Old Town Orcutt.

The annual holiday parade featured decorated floats, marching bands, youth groups and community organizations as the festive procession moved down Broadway.

Organized by members from the Orcutt Lions Community Foundation and local volunteers, nearly 50 entries took part in this year’s parade, a holiday tradition in the Santa Maria Valley since 1961.

Children were prominent both in the parade and among spectators, with kids in the crowd frequently stepping into the street to collect candy tossed from parade entries as floats slowed to accommodate them.

Despite the large turnout, the parade maintained a small-town feel, as spectators called out to friends and family members and exchanged waves and smiles. 

Many paradegoers took advantage of free shuttle service from Pioneer Park, which helped ease parking congestion following this year’s route changes. 

Familiar entries helped anchor the parade, including the Righetti High School Warrior Marching Band and Color Guard, which filled the street with music and movement.

Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson and his family also took part in the holiday cheer, riding on a float highlighting the upcoming construction of a new Orcutt library.

Among this year’s participants were Chris Divine and members of the Santa Maria Valley Sportsman Association, who joined the parade after being unable to take part in the Elks’ annual holiday parade, which was not held this year.

“This is our first year. We looked for an alternative, and luckily we were able to get fit in,” Divine said.

Association President John Hotchkiss said having family members, including grandchildren, on the float made the experience especially meaningful.

Divine said the group plans to return next year.

“This is great. We all had a blast. The community had a blast. I think we’ll do it again,” he said.

Results from this year’s parade are expected to be announced on the group’s website and Facebook page in the days ahead, and this article will be updated when winners are released.