A scene from a Christmas parade past. Press file photo
The parade will include Jefferson Elementary 4-H Club, the Children’s Dance Theatre, Tracy High’s marching band, and Tracy Junior Miss, among other entrants, said Kim Scarlatta, the city’s recreation supervisor.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride in a fire truck, and Mayor Brent Ives is the parade marshal, she added.
The parade will conclude at Civic Center Plaza and will be immediately followed by the Christmas tree lighting.
After tree lights are lit, there will be activities inside City Hall and an outside tent, such as “elves” who will help children make holiday crafts, Scarlatta said. She added that this is the first year there will be activities for families after the tree lighting.
A toy and non-perishable food drive will take place at the tree lighting to benefit Brighter Christmas, a Tracy based toy and food drive for the needy people during holidays, noted Scarlatta.
Last year approximately 200 people attended the event Scarlatta said, and the event is being paid for by government stimulus money.
Contact a Tracy Press reporter or editor at 835-3030 or tpnews@tracypress.com.
I'm not sure who you are talking to but I have no bitterness towards government employees. I am disappointed that people are being let go, people that the City of Tracy needs to run more efficiently, and having a party that takes more then 400 manpowers off the street while city employees get paid to eat. And not all furlough days were forced, some were voted on. I won't be first in line to complain. I understand what is going on. There is still spending going on that is not necessary and this is one of them. There are mandatory schools that City Employees are to take. Where does the money keep coming from. Our property taxes being raised. It is a waste of money.
I say if an employee that wants to go to the breakfast party opt out of getting paid. How much will that save Mr. City Manager if say only 300 employees show up and don't forget the cost of the food.
We are all making sacrifices, I say scratch this party. Math time, anyone please correct me, I won't feel bad. Take $10(breakfast) $25 per hour (average employee pay)=$50 (breakfast at least 1 1/2 hour long) per person. WOW, I just multiplied that times 300 people. I just assume some city workers will have morals and not show up, so it is darn near cut in half