The City of Riverbank this past weekend proved that more than just the postman can fight the weather, especially the rain, to complete its “rounds.”

Despite the steady rain on Saturday, Dec. 10, the city’s Christmas Craft Faire and 53rd Annual Christmas Parade in downtown continued as scheduled.

Opened at noon on Third Street, in front of City Hall North and the Plaza del Rio Park, the Faire presented some stalwart vendors, selling food items and gift items useful for holiday presents.

City of Riverbank Director of Parks and Recreation Sue Fitzpatrick noted that next year they will start the craft fair at 3 p.m. instead of earlier in the day.

There were several vendors that were scheduled to take part but only a handful turned out to weather the storm.

During the day, shopper participation was sparse. The vendors saw a little better turnout from the tough folks who came out for the parade. But they packed up pretty quickly when the parade and tree lighting ceremony were over.

The rain continued into the evening, with the wind slowly abating, as the latest incarnation of Riverbank’s Christmas Parade rolled down Santa Fe Street, from the Community Center, and continuing to Second Street before turning south for the return trip up Stanislaus Street.

Riverbank Scout Troop 1160, along with Cub Scout Pack 10, acted as Color Guards, heading up the march. There were lots of umbrellas helping out the walking units, with the lighted trucks, cars and other vehicles participating providing a bit of protection from the rain.

The crowd watching was a bit sparse, as one would expect, also with lots of raincoats and umbrellas, as well as those looking for shelter from awnings at downtown businesses along the route.

Mayor Richard D. O’Brien acted as Grand Marshal, as he did last year, traveling in one of the Parks Department’s utility carts, which offered limited protection from the rain. In regular passenger vehicles came Vice Mayor Cal Campbell, and council members Darlene Barber-Martinez, Rachel Hernandez and Luis Uribe.

California Avenue and Mesa Verde Elementary Schools entered both floats and walking groups in the parade, consisting of staff and students. Nearly all walked under umbrellas.

There were several truck-borne floats, with a notable entry a vehicle from the city’s Public Works Department. In addition to a Christmas tree room decorated on the platform in the back, the truck featured video screens on its sides, showing the original animated version of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” As a bonus, there was a costumed live Grinch sitting on the back of the truck.

Toward the end of the parade, a group of public safety vehicles displayed their lights, with members of S.T.A.R.S., the Stanislaus Sheriff’s Office, including its Bomb Squad, and fire equipment closing out the route.

And of course, bringing up the rear, on Engine 26 of the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District, was Santa and Mrs. Claus. Because of the weather, they were tucked safely inside the crew cab. Usually, they ride on the back end of the unit, out in the weather.

And luckily, the rain had abated by the end of the parade.

“I think my favorite part was all the floats and just that it all came together in the end,” said Fitzpatrick. “The tree looks beautiful and Mr. and Mrs. Claus were there for the kids.”

Parks Supervisor Tony Lemonds shared that the kids really enjoyed the toys that were handed out by a member of the community next to Santa during the event.

Lemonds said, “My favorite part was the dedication of the community and the few vendors that stuck it out with us.”

Despite the inclement weather, the city did have judges grading the parade entrants, with overall awards listed at the end. Of course, all entries receive a participation award.

Mesa Verde Elementary School received the first place trophy, while Gilton Solid Waste Management came in second. Riverbank Youth Baseball Softball Association took home the third place trophy.

In addition, Ustach Middle School’s band, from Modesto, as well as Public Works and the Fire Department all tied.

Following the parade, after he returned from his fire engine ride, Santa and Mrs. Claus came back to the Plaza del Rio Park to light the community Christmas tree.

The Parks and Rec department had set up a pop-up canopy right next to the tree in the park, to protect Santa’s chair set up to allow him to talk with local youngsters after, but it made it difficult to see the lights go on when Santa worked his magic.

Riverbank Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Richard A. Tapia attended the festivities on the stormy Saturday night and he was a judge for the parade as well as Superintendent Christine Facella.

“The parade was awesome for those that attended and participated,” said Tapia. “An experience that may go unmatched given the weather. A number of entries did not participate because of the weather, but kudos to those that made the commitment and followed through, especially all of the entries with children present. The floats were festive, bright and cheery, reflecting the season.”

Fitzpatrick expressed that the weather made things very challenging.

“The turnout was low but did pick up a bit closer to the parade time,” stated Fitzpatrick. “Those parade entries that showed up were great. They seemed to have a good time and were very committed. Even though it was challenging, I am glad we did not cancel. Everyone worked very hard to make this a good parade; staff and participants; so it was worth it.”

Even with all the wind and rain, city officials decided to continue with the holiday festivities.

“The parade was very wet but spirits were high,” elaborated Facella. “Everyone who participated was brave to come out in the weather but it was worth it. There were some very competitive floats and judging was a bit tough but we looked for the one thing that stood out above the others. I really wish the weather had been better but we definitely had a good time regardless.”

Tapia explained that it was difficult to judge the parade but the small-town resilience and spirit was amazing.

“The entire thing was my favorite part from the Boy Scouts leading the parade to Santa Claus in the fire truck wrapping up the event and all of the floats, clubs, city departments and schools participating,” remarked Tapia. “I shared with my wife how I love being a part of the Riverbank community and the efforts the city is making to bring the community together with events like this. The schools, clubs, families and city entries that participated made a great effort in representing their entities and showing community pride and spirit.”

Plus, he added, there was a warmth that broke through all the bad weather.

“Eli Vernon emceeing the parade and the Christmas tree lighting and Santa visiting with the children, as well as the participants making an effort to shine that Riverbank pride, warmed my heart and made me thankful to be part of such a great little valley community,” expressed Tapia.

News Reporter Virginia Still contributed to this story.