Nov 29, 2002 By April Straughters 3 min read

CALIFORNIA – Spectators at the Christmas parade in California do the marching, but the bands stand still. Sound backwards? It is.

The Mon Valley’s only “Backward Parade” traditionally has been a big draw to California’s annual light-up night, to be held this year at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Pre-parade activities begin at 6 p.m.

A backward parade, according to Brenda DePaoli of California University of Pennsylvania’s office of Student Development and Services, is when the performers are stationary and the spectators walk the parade route.

DePaoli said the “Backward Parade,” “thought up by someone at the university,” has been a tradition in California for several years now.

“It’s a nice event. People really enjoy it. They’re moving around, so it helps them to keep warm and it seems to add to the excitement,” DePaoli said. “We usually get a nice crowd. Hopefully, the weather will hold out, but we’re hoping for a few snowflakes. That always makes for a nice event.”

Whether snowflakes fall from the sky or not, the community will be graced with the sight of larger-than-life snowflakes adorning utility poles.

DePaoli said 10 groups will entertain from the area of Second and Wood streets, down Third Street to the United Methodist Church on Third and Liberty streets.

She said the groups, including bands and local organizations that will either play their instruments or sing Christmas carols, will include Cal U fraternities and sororities, the California High School band, California Area Optimist Club, the Presbyterian Church choir, the United Methodist Church choir, the University Young and Gifted Gospel Choir, the University Brass Ensemble and the St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Pre-parade activities will be held in the area between the California Fire Hall and the California Public Library.

Spectators will follow Barry Niccolai, dean for student services and the emcee for the evening, who will lead the crowd from the pre-parade activities, following the parade route to the United Methodist Church, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with children. Children will be able to sit on Santa’s lap. Also, the University Choir will perform at the church, and refreshments will be served.

DePaoli said Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a bright-red fire truck. The Mon Valley Orchestra will perform in the fire hall during pre-parade activities, which will include face painting, a “Giving Tree,” crafts and bake sales and more.

According to DePaoli, people can bring cold weather items like hats, gloves and scarves to hang on the “Giving Tree,” sponsored by Cal U fraternities and sororities, who will donate the items to the Salvation Army.

DePaoli said the local Girl Scout troop will help kids create their own Christmas decorations for the library tree, and Cal U clubs and organizations will sponsor bake sales.

DePaoli said light-up night is sponsored in part by the California Chamber of Commerce and Cal U.