5 days Ago By By JESSAMYN DODD Staff Writer
IMPERIAL – The City of Imperial hosted “Christmas in A Small Town” on Saturday, December 14, where vendors, food trucks, and artisans came out to peddle their goods to Christmas shoppers in the City of Imperial. The crowd was treated to Christmas Carols from Ben Hulse Elementary school and The Jolly Holidays Carolers. “Today we are celebrating the joy and spirit of the holiday season,” Mayor Robert Amarano told the crowd before the awards for this year’s Parade of Lights were handed out.
Mayor For The day Steel Adkins handed out the award for “Most Christmas Spirit” to Valley Christian Church and Saint Mary’s School was given the award for the People’s Choice. Councilmember for the day Sophia Scaroni was awarded Frank Wright Middle School Marching Band the award for Best Band. Following the ceremony, the Hollywood ‘54 Band took the stage to entertain the attendees.
Vendors And Outreach Diana Daniels, of “Calexico Border Paws,” a non-profit animal rescue organization set up a table to inform and educate the public about animal adoption. “We started out in Calexico, but we help animals in the Imperial Valley,” she said during the event. Daniels explained that the rescue organization pulls dogs from high-kill shelters and tries to get them adopted to good homes.
The animals have been rehomed throughout the Valley, but their rescue has reached Canada, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle. “A couple weeks ago we had some dogs adopted out to New York,” she said of their far-reaching efforts. “The shelters here are completely overcrowded because we’re so close to the border, and a lot of people will go to Mexicali, pick up dogs and bring them here.
” She urged pet owners to be responsible and have their dogs and cats neutered. “These dogs just keep procreating.” The rescue works with the city shelter and the Humane Society of Imperial County, who brought a few adoptable dogs along, hoping to find a home for the holidays.
Blessed Road Homestead set up a booth to sell their homemade breads. The Estrada family are homesteaders who are still trying to rebuild after a fire destroyed their home and farm three years ago. Bella, the eldest daughter, says they believe in self-sufficiency and are raising chickens and goats, as well as growing their own vegetables.
Other food vendors include K’s Lemonade, Sparkle Sweets And Treats, and Cookie King, and more. The city constructed a man-made snow hill, where children and adults could enjoy tobogganing. Face painters, games, and toy vendors rounded out the family fun area.
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