City Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) announced the winners of the “45th Annual HomeTown Christmas Celebration Lighted Christmas Parade” via Facebook last Friday, Dec. 5.
“This year’s parade lit up downtown with festive floats, spirited performances, dazzling lights, and plenty of community cheer,” reads PARD’s post.
“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s parade a success. We appreciate every float builder, performer, volunteer, parade entry, and spectator who brought the magic of Christmas to Bay City once again.”
This year’s judges were Samantha Denbow, Tina Israel, Karen Penewitt, Tacie Franklin, and Kalyn Franklin.
School district band winners were Bay City High School Blackcat Band and Bay City Junior High Band.
School district dancing/cheer group winners were Bay City High School Cheerleaders, Bay City High School Aristocats, and Bay City Junior High School Cheerleaders – in first, second and third place, respectively.
The commercial dance/cheer winner was Lynn Bates School of Dance.
Community cheer/dance winners were Mother Zion Baptist Church SWAG Squad and Palacios PeeWee Football Cheerleaders.
School district float winners in first-third places were Tenie Holmes elementary, Bay City Junior High School Keye Players, and Holy Cross Catholic School.
Non-commercial float winners were Bay City Municipal Court, Kingdom Kids – Calvary Baptist Church, and Bay City Girls Softball – in first, second and third places, respectively.
Commercial float winners were Lavish Beauty Bar and Frontz Electrical tied for first place followed by Shoppa’s Farm Supply and AVIR Healthcare in second and third places respectively.
Commercial car first-third place winning entries included Lena’s Beach Shop, Colesio Real Estate, and CM Auto Glass & Signworks.
H.E.B. won first place in the “Other Commercial Groups” category.
Other non-commercial group winners included Wreaths Across America, Cub Scout Pack 4545, and Southside Supreme – in first, second, and third places respectively.
Trophies were presented to winners on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Bay City USO Service Center.
The parade featured more than 60 entries and over 1,000 participants
“We look forward to seeing everyone back for the 2026 Annual HomeTown Christmas Celebration,” reads PARD’s Facebook post.
“For more information about this event or other Parks & Recreation programs, events, parks, and facilities, please visit the City’s website or follow us on social media.”
