By Rio Linda Online Staff
The streets of Rio Linda and Elverta were aglow this past Saturday night as the community gathered to celebrate a decade of tradition. The 10th Annual RLE Hometown Christmas Light Parade brought out the very best in local creativity, holiday spirit, and festive cheer, marking this milestone year as one to remember.
From the spectators lining the route to the dazzling floats passing by, the energy was palpable. Organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone who attended, noting that the creativity and participation helped make the 10th anniversary truly special.
Leading the Way: Grand Marshal Charlea Moore
Leading the procession for this milestone year was the 2025 Grand Marshal, Charlea Moore. Known throughout Rio Linda and Elverta as a tireless advocate for the town, Moore was selected for embodying the true spirit of the community.
Organizers described Moore as “Christmas magic wrapped in community spirit.” While she often works behind the scenes without seeking credit, her dedication to speaking up for others and showing up for her neighbors made her the perfect choice to lead the parade. As the parade committee noted, “RLE is her heart—and we feel it.”
The Winners
With so many bright and creative entries, the competition was fierce. This year’s panel of judges included returning judges Troy Golden and Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, joined by Ryan DiGiulio of the Twin Rivers Unified School District.
After careful deliberation, the winners of the 10th Annual Parade were announced:
- 1st Place: #9 Girl Scouts Troop #1565
- 2nd Place: #18 The Rio Pub
- 3rd Place: #35 Dana Thompson & the Gingerbread House
A Day of Festivities
The holiday cheer extended beyond the parade route. Earlier in the day, the Community Christmas Tree hosted a special interactive experience. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of The Grotto, attendees were able to step inside a giant walk-in snow globe for magical holiday photos. A professional photographer was on-site to capture the moments, gifting families with free 4×6 keepsakes.
Thank you to everyone who participated, watched, and supported the event. The 10th Annual Hometown Christmas Light Parade was a shining example of what makes Rio Linda and Elverta such a wonderful place to call home.
