OGDEN -- Ashley Sepulveda, 27, was one of 952 Santas running a 5K around downtown Ogden on Saturday.
The fourth annual 5K sported 250 more runners than last year, all dressed as Santa Claus given the season. But despite being surrounded by 952 red suits and beards, her 5-year-old son Kaden was still waiting for one particular St. Nick.
After the run, he and his mother sat in the bed of a white pickup truck at 23rd Street and Washington Boulevard. All of the spectacles of the Holiday Electric Light Parade were new to Kaden and his mother, who have never been to the event before Saturday night.
The colorful parade of marching bands, horses and choruses of children singing carols passed by on the route from 22nd Street to the Municipal Building, flanked on either side by enthusiastic crowds of onlookers. Santa finally made his appearance at the end, and as he rolled by in his bright sleigh-on-wheels, Kaden's face lit up and returned the jolly old elf's wave.
Vicky Lucius followed behind Santa as the parade wound down and the crowds moved toward the Municipal Building for further festivities.
She had never been to the parade either, and only found out this year after a co-worker at the Davis County Sheriff's Office told her about it. Now she plans on telling everyone she can about it, especially at work, and bring them out for the parade next year.
"It's a really good experience for the whole family," she said, towing her 4- and 6-year-old granddaughters in a red wagon behind her.
She and her daughter, Nicole McClain, had also participated in the 5K. Lucius was proud of her aughter for making it to the end, since she does not normally run for sport.
After the parade, the crowd wound up at the amphitheater to see the Christmas Village light up. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the tradition.
City Council Chair Caitlin Gochnour took the opportunity to thank those present and the many who came before them for their support and "making the magic of Christmas Village."
Brielle Beus, 11, who was diagnosed with leukemia last year, joined Santa on the amphitheater stage to throw the switch.
Snowmen, Christmas trees and strings of colored lights illuminated the pathways that wind around the now lighted miniature houses and shops. Excited children peered into the windows to see the holiday scenes inside, while others took to the new Polar Express train running circles in the gardens.
But it was the fireworks that had 3-year-old Bridger Staley's attention.
"Yeah!" he shouted from his vantage point on his father Jason's shoulders as the fireworks went off above the amphitheater.
They had been at the parade, too. Jason Staley had vague memories of it from his own childhood, remembering clearly that he was cold. Now that he has a child of his own, the Ogden resident has vivid of the same, continuing tradition.
Several community groups and businesses took home recognition Saturday night for their floats in the parade.
Harley Davidson and Harley Owners Group won the sweepstakes, while the prize for the best community-based organization went to the Girl Scouts Suncrest Unit.
Ogden High School Marching Band was named the best precision marching group. Best musical entry went to the Ogden Square Dancers.
Wasatch Rods And Customs won for best use of this year's theme, which was "home for the holidays."
The Layton City Parks float, with a colorful winter scene of a snowy forest, won for best use of lights.
In the Christmas Village, Union Station Gift Shop took first place in the window decorating contest. Second place went to Kallee Genta State Farm Insurance, while third went to Crowley Gallery and Cafe
Ogden Blue & Hampton Inn & Suites received honorable mentions.
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