The Third Annual Queen Creek Side by Side Christmas Parade on Dec. 11 was a huge success and continues to grow each year.
"It was an amazing site to see," Queen Creek resident and organizer Jen Masse said. "My husband (Nick Masse) and I are so grateful for everyone’s support. We have been told we had somewhere between 1,100 to 1,500 vehicles in our parade. The amount of vehicles and people that came out to spread holiday cheer and to raise funds for our military was absolutely touching. We couldn’t have done this without the support of our town, law enforcement, our volunteers, all the businesses that donated, our side by side community as well as our Queen Creek community."
The Masse couple said they started the Side by Side Christmas Parade "to help spread joy by dressing up our off-roading vehicles with Christmas lights and parading through the neighborhoods" and they started collecting items this year for military members who are overseas.
"We also had the biggest turnout of Queen Creek residents out to watch us this year," Jen Masse said. "This is why we do it, to see all those smiling faces. As for a preliminary amount raised for our military to help buy items, not already donated by our amazing community, to build care packages and also help our American Legion is over $13,000. Our raffle is still going online and will be closed sometime this week."
