The annual Los Ba&#241;os Christmas Parade was held Friday and true to its tradition, the downtown streets of Los Ba&#241;os were lined with hundreds of spectators anxious to see this year's show.</p><p>The Chamber of Commerce hosted the parade's 14th year, with 49 entrants, including bands, youth programs and businesses bringing in the holiday spirit. The theme, "Home for the Holidays," generated a family-oriented traditional feel, as well as the entrants' creativity for their performances, floats and displays for the holiday season.</p><p>Keith Groninga, the Chamber of Commerce's executive director, said he couldn't be more pleased with the outcome of the parade.</p><p>"This has become a very popular thing to do in town," Groninga said. "And it seems to keep people happy. We sure had a lot of participation."</p><p>The parade actually dates back further than 14 years, Groninga said, but under his direction it has abandoned its Saturday morning downtown route and taken up Groninga's first Friday night in December suggestion.</p><p>And the parade has been a success ever since.</p><p>"It struck me as something we can do better," he said. "History shows by moving it to Friday night has been very popular."</p><p>This year's parade route began at Sixth and K streets and made a straight shot through downtown, ending at Henry Miller Plaza.</p><p>Betty Cascia of Jack and Jill Preschool has been a part of the annual parade for 12 years. She said it's exciting to see so many people of Los Ba&#241;os participating in the event.</p><p>This year, her students and some of their parents showed Los Ba&#241;os their favorite Disney characters as their theme.</p><p>"All the kids love Disney; they always talk about Disneyland," Cascia said of choosing the Disney theme. "And they love dressing up. They look forward to it every year."</p><p>Jack and Jill Preschool was awarded the Sponsor's Award, recognizing their group's display as one of the best in the parade.</p><p>Other awards presented included the Chamber President's Award, given to Los Ba&#241;os High School Marching Band; the Arts Council Award, presented to Pacheco Girl Scouts and the Mayor's Award, given to Los Ba&#241;os Community 4-H.</p><p>Los Ba&#241;os resident Mike Gutierrez said he's been attending the Christmas parade for eight years and continues to come every year to see the smiles on the kids faces.</p><p>"The best part of the parade is seeing all the families having a good time," Gutierrez said.</p><p>Desiree Soliz, who has also attended the parade for over six years, said the parade is an important part of Los Ba&#241;os because "It's something we need in our lives," Soliz said.</p><p>"And the kids go nuts when they see Santa," she said, as one of the best things about the parade, something she enjoys seeing among the crowds.</p><p>"I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out," Groninga said. "I'm hoping the crowd felt the same."