Los Altos parade enthusiasts eagerly anticipated the 46th Annual Festival of Lights Parade on Sunday, a cherished holiday tradition illuminating the city's streets with joy and wonder. The festivities commenced at 6 p.m. accompanied by the customary traffic advisories and road closures.
A notice from the Los Altos Police Department informed revelers of street shutdowns affecting Main, State, and portions of First Streets from 3:00 p.m. onwards. Plaza North prepared for the event, going dark as early as 6:00 a.m. The police department issued stern warnings to potential parking violators, cautioning that vehicles left beyond specified times would face towing.
Those disregarding "No Parking" signs had to navigate their way to the police station to resolve tow violations and retrieve their vehicles from the tow yard, incurring separate fees. While festive floats paraded through the streets, those who parked within the parade's perimeter faced frustration, unable to move until roads reopened around 11:00 p.m.
However, the Los Altos Police accommodated ADA-accessible parking behind Wells Fargo Bank and designated a drop-off point near Edith Park for modern ride-sharing services. Participants and spectators were encouraged to relish the spectacle, with the police expressing gratitude to the Festival of Lights Parade Association for another year of holiday enchantment.
For maps and additional parade information, enthusiasts were directed to the parade's official website, which served as a guide through the merry maze of floats and festivities.