Gina Mendenhall, the vocalist with the Thicker Than Water musical combo, and Kathy Harris, head of the Ashley Memorial Dog Park Foundation, were among the 1,000 people who attended the Christmas party at Frank Calabretta’s Bail House last Thursday. Kathy is holding Reggie, her Chihuahua puppy.

Santa Claus (Brad Weston) and an elf (Deborah Mangione) were on hand for photos during Old Town's Country Christmas last Saturday. Santa will be in Old Town again on Dec. 15.

Santa Claus was the last float in Saturday's Festival of Lights Parade in Auburn.

The Sugar Plump Fairies are always a popular parade participant and it was no different on Saturday at the Festival of Lights in Auburn.

Santa Claus held court with his helpers in holiday-decorated Herschel Young Park last Saturday. Chris Whitehead portrayed the jolly man in the red suit and the helpers were students from E.V. Cain Middle School.

Storm Troopers from the 501st Legion Central California Garrison march past the Clocktower in Downtown Auburn during the parade. The group supports charities through fundraising activities and they took home the parade’s Volunteer Award. Photo by Don Chaddock.

Darth Vader, left, and Boba Fett were in Saturday's Festival of Lights Parade in Auburn.

Ruby Payne was Mrs. Claus in Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade in Auburn. Sitting in front is her husband, Glenn.

Jennifer Richardson, one of the grand marshalls of Saturday’s Festival of Lights Parade, chatted with former Auburn Mayor Cheryl Maki, right. Photo by Don Chaddock.