Kindergartener to ride with Santa

DOWNEY - Five-year-old Emilio Vela was selected from hundreds of Downey children to ride with Santa during the 59th annual Holiday Lane Parade on Dec. 5.Emilio won the "ride of a lifetime" through a raffle sponsored by the Downey Chamber of Commerce. Emilio is in kindergarten at Rio Hondo Elementary and his favorite things to do are "circles" (group work) along with puzzles, learning his ABCs and playing in the sandbox. He has two goldfish named Thomas and James, and his favorite food is corn on the cob. He also enjoys coffee once a week "with lots of milk and cream." Emilio is the son of Berenis and Frank Vela, of Downey. He has two sisters, Sofia, 3, and Natalia, 2. The parade, sponsored by Financial Partners Credit Union, will feature bands, marching units, drill teams, equestrians, clowns and many characters, including Ronald McDonald. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Downey Avenue and Lexington Road before proceeding south to Third Street. The parade will disband near City Hall.

********** Published: November 18, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 31