Twas the Friday before Christmas

And all through the night

Humboldt folk were a’stirring

To see the parade lights.

The goodies were hung by the windows with care,

In hopes that Arts Alive shoppers soon would be there.

Some children were nestled all snug on fun floats

While blown bubble snow alit on their coats.

When way down the street there arose such a wailing

Of firetrucks and cop cars—sirens and lights trailing!

Then, what to watching and wondering eyes should appear,

But a festive sleigh,

and a few tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

So up the Main Street the parade floats went through,

With trailers full of creatures, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, we heard in the air

The music and singing of an entire band there.

As folks clapped their hands and were gazing with glee,

Down the road came a car driving straight through a tree.

The floats were dressed all in lights, from the front to the back

And their riders were enjoying being part of the pack.

People lining the streets enjoyed all the sights

(Who wouldn’t love all those bright Christmas lights!?!)

As the last float disappeared up the road,

The hearts within everyone decidedly glowed.

The parade was completed. The teams gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard Santa exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all,

and may Humboldt unite!”