The Force Awakens at Annual River of Lights Parade in Sacaton

December 18, 2015

By Mikhail Sundust

Community Newsperson

Santa Claus and Sith Lords joined forces on Dec. 5, bringing holiday cheer to the Gila River Indian Community at the River of Lights Parade.

With the release of the new Star Wars film just days away, the theme of the night was “The Christmas Force Awakens.”

A cast of characters from the galactic empire marched down Casa Blanca Road in Sacaton, including some new characters from the upcoming movie.

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis led the march and wished Community members a happy holidays from behind a mask of the new Star Wars villain Kylo Ren.

Other participating departments and groups included Lt. Gov. Monica Antone, Gila River Royalty, The Boys & Girls Club, GRIC Department of Transportation, Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority, Management Information Systems, District 4 Service Center, Tribal Image Car Club, and the Gila River Police Department.

Santa brought up the rear in a Gila River Fire Department engine, presumably because there wasn’t enough snow in Sacaton for his big red sleigh.

After the parade, Santa took gift requests from children at the Sacaton Wellness Center. This wasn’t the last chance to see the big guy before the big day. Santa will be at the Vah-Ki Multipurpose building for breakfast on Saturday morning, Dec. 19. All are welcome!