Fire and Ice holiday parade warms up downtown Fremont
FREMONT — For the many families, both young and old, lining Front Street in downtown Fremont, along with those marching between that they were to there to see Saturday evening, it was a welcome sight offering a sense of a return to normalcy, especially as jolly old Saint Nick joined them.
Downtown Fremont Inc. hosted its early Christmas season Fire & Ice-themed open house and holiday market, which concluded with the annual lighted parade just after the sunset.
'Fremont's finest' lead the parade
The parade opened with “Fremont’s finest,” both those in blue and local military veterans following close behind with the Stars and Stripes.
Gary Kaltenbach, who emceed the parade, praised their efforts to preserve peace, as well as supporting and educating the public as they remain committed to working with everyone to enhance the quality of life in Fremont.
“We’re so lucky,” he said. “They’re a very professional group. We can’t thank them enough for all they do.”
For the Fremont VFW Post 2947 color and honor guard, it was the first time leading the way in the holiday parade march down Front Street, according to Commander Terry Stanforth.
Typically, they march in military funerals of Fremont veterans and similar events, said Randy Miller, a fellow member of the honor guard.
'It's about time'
Simply being able to have so much of the community all get together again and enjoy the holidays, amid what has been difficult times due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, is what has been a long time coming.
“It’s about time,” said Mike Sanchez, also of the VFW Post 2947.
Around this time last year, the winter holiday season had a spike in cases of the novel coronavirus, leading to many events having to be canceled, including those held downtown.
Still, as the virus continues to mutate into new variants and local cases still present, it is important to be prudent, especially for those in higher risk categories for potential serious complications.
“Everybody stay safe,” said Craig Swartz, a fellow member of the VFW Post 2947 honor guard.
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This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: 'It's about time:' Fremont parade celebrates the holiday
