Two years ago, Carter Gomes was riding high on a Turlock Scavenger garbage truck leading the way down Main Street in the Turlock Christmas Parade. This year, the Osborn Two-Way Immersion Academy student was on the sidelines with his parents and sister watching the bright lights of the floats pass by.

Being the parade grand marshal in 2022 came about when earlier that year Carter’s wish to be a garbageman for a day was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Carter was diagnosed with leukemia just before his third birthday and when asked what wish he wanted granted by the nonprofit organization, he said garbageman.

Carter said on Friday that he would prefer to be in the parade again rather than watch it, but was excited about seeing Santa Claus.

He wasn’t the only one at Friday night’s annual parade hoping to catch a glimpse of the man in red. A crowd of over 20,000 lined the streets of downtown Turlock in the 45th annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme was ‘A Neon Night’ and the 87 parade entries did not disappoint with their vibrant, neon colors on full display.

The 2024 Christmas Parade winners are:

Overall winner: Julien Elementary School

Antique vehicle: Winton, Ireland, Strom & Green Insurance Agency

Commercial: Bonander Auto, Truck and Trailer

Equestrian: Merced County Sheriff’s Posse

Theme: Modesto Junior College

Unique: Turlock Off Road

Youth group: Osborn Two-Way Immersion Academy