This past Sunday, you may have been witness to the annual Festival of Lights Parade, which featured an illuminating cast of characters amid fancy floats along Main and State streets in downtown Los Altos.
Most of us enjoy the parade, which draws thousands every year, but do not fully appreciate the enormous annual effort by parade organizers.
There are several hundred participants on the night of the parade, but a core group of about 35 are involved in the yearlong planning.
In addition to the parade, there are two major fund-raisers - "Rock Back the Clock" at Rancho Shopping Center and an antiques fair downtown - that raise the $20,000 or so needed annually.
The organizers have put out a call for more volunteers -for the fund-raisers, for planning and for participation on parade day.
Another challenge is to find a suitable street-level location downtown for the outfitting of costumed parade participants. Last year, organizers did not find space until, literally, the last minute. This year, they could not secure downtown storage space at all.
As a result, the costumes had to be stored across town, creating a nightmare in logistics.
We believe local residents want to help, whether it be as participants or in finding downtown space for costumes. But help is needed now, not next November.
We all play a part in the future of this annual holiday tradition.
If we contribute in some way beyond merely watching, either by providing a location, a donation or by volunteering in some capacity, the parade will continue to delight thousands, as it did this past Sunday.