The 10th annual Electric Light Parade, sponsored by Amarillo’s Center City and Park and Recreations Department, was held Friday, December 2, 2005, at 6:00pm.
Sixty parade entrants led the crowds to the lighting of the City Christmas tree. The West Texas A&M University Carolers, several equestrian units, Amarillo Hot-Air Balloon Guys, Coors Cowboy Club, Clear Channel Radio, Display Concepts and others challenged for cash prizes funded by Xcel Energy for the best floats.
Texas Bicycle Coalition Outreach Coordinators Fernando Martinez and Joyce Cunningham joined Old Tascosa Cycling Club members and other bicycling enthusiasts of all ages to express their holiday sentiments to the community.
They rang bells and waved to the crowds as they maneuvered their holiday-decorated bikes around leftover pieces of candy thrown to the fans and droppings from the preceding live animal parade entrants. (Perhaps this obstacle course should be used as a model for future night trail ride training!)
Unseasonably warm weather encouraged high attendance by spectators and participants as well as making it a little hard to believe that Christmas was only three weeks away. The Eastridge Elementary fourth-grade choir performed for the crowd at the tree ligthing ceremony in front of the Civic Center. In keeping with the season, Santa visited with a surprise for the children to top off the evening.
