Geyserville gets in holiday mood with Christmas tree lighting and tractor parade

Thousands of people packed Geyserville’s main avenue Saturday night in a boisterous show of holiday cheer during the town’s Christmas tree lighting and tractor parade.

Children playing with light-up toys whizzed along Geyserville Avenue near downtown ahead of the main attraction, which featured dozens of illuminated tractors and trucks decorated in a holiday theme.

The kids were part of the estimated 5,000-plus in the crowd that lined both sides of the street during the parade. Many were seated in folding chairs and dressed warmly for the night’s cool temperatures.

Cloverdale resident Eric Nettleton and his family were among those annual attendees at the holiday event, having come for the third time on Saturday. His three young sons took pictures with Santa Claus and planned to tour the Geyserville Fire District’s main station, which opened for public viewing.

“We came because it’s a hometown-style parade,” Nettleton said. “It’s a family tradition.”

A tree lighting preceded the parade, which is in its ninth year, drawing cheers from about 100 people who helped count down the occasion. The group then participated in carols, singing classic holiday songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “Joy to the World.”

A CHP patrol car outfitted with florescent Christmas lights led this year’s parade. The cruiser was followed by a tractor-pulled wagon with members of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Rural Crimes Task Force, a group of deputies trained to deal with crimes in agricultural communities such as Geyserville.

Sheriff-elect Mark Essick walked behind the group, waving to the crowd of paradegoers.

Dozens of tractors participated in the parade, with one of the most elaborate displays including nine ATVs decorated as Santa’s reindeer, each connected to a sleigh carrying the Grinch. Applause from the crowd got louder with each passing tractor.

The free event was emceed by Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, who described the celebration’s humble start in 2010 when only about 500 people participated. The community’s holiday fest has drawn more people every year, he said.

The extra foot traffic Saturday was good news for the local businesses, said Geyserville Chamber of Commerce board President Joe Stewart, who also serves as the town’s fire captain.

He said he hoped the experience piques the interest of newcomers, some who may typically overlook Geyserville for places such as nearby Healdsburg, located just south off Highway 101. Restaurants and bars along the parade route were crowded with families and friends during the night’s reverlry.

“It’s the one day of year that we turn into a busy town,” Stewart said. “It’s a good opportunity to showcase the businesses in the area.”

You can reach Staff Writer Nashelly Chavez at 707-521-5203 or nashelly.chavez@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter ?@nashellytweets.