70 kids, 35 families benefit from Janesville Parade of Lights

A Christmas tradition in Janesville continued last week with Saturday’s Janesville Parade of Lights.

Organizer Chris Barcia said 70 kids from 35 Janesville families received toys or coats after the event — the entry fee to display your vehicle in the parade was a new toy or new jacket and all the donations went to local Janesville students.

The whole thing started four years ago after Janesville residents Chris and Cheryl Barcia decorated their side-by-side and participated in the Magical Country Christmas Parade in Uptown Susanville and Cheryl said, we ought to do this in Janesville. And sure enough, a new and growing holiday tradition began.

While Barcia expected as many as 100 entries this year, there were only about 60 entries. He noted the event was competing with other events last Saturday night.

“We had a huge turnout for the craft show and the food vendors,” Barcia said. “Everybody had a great time.”

The parade followed a loop from the Janesville Fire Hall to Dollar General.