The parking lot of Ventana Ranch Elementary School was full of Corvettes, convertibles and other show-quality cars Saturday afternoon as participants gathered for the Ventana Ranch Christmas Parade.
As the car owners mixed and mingled, members of the Albuquerque Fire Rescue were on hand, letting kids climb into their truck and honk the horn. The Grinch was spotted in the passenger seat of the lead car, which was decked out in the holiday spirit.
As 3 p.m. approached, the lead car exited the parking lot, followed by the firetruck and then the line of about 20 sports cars. The drivers waved to spectators as they drove through the neighborhood, with Santa Claus himself driving a yellow Corvette convertible.
Parade cruises through Ventana Ranch
A group of Boy Scouts carrying the American flag followed the stream of cars, and a girl on a decorated bike with a boy driving decorated Power Wheels brought up the rear.
Residents could not have asked for better weather for the parade, with the sun shining brightly and temperatures warm enough to be out in a T-shirt.
The parade coursed through Ventana Ranch — as neighbors stood on sidewalks and their backyards and waved back — before returning to VRES.