Seal Beach will celebrate the 30th anniversary of presenting its Holiday and Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 3.
The Seal Beach event has come to represent a more simple time, and it brings locals and visitors together in the spirit of the season.
Now with the election and Halloween behind us, Thanksgiving is right around the corner and before you know it, the parade is going to march its stately way from Ocean to Pacific Coast Highway along Main Street.
This year, the city has partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to enhance a triumvirate of events around the holiday season: the Tree Lighting, the Parade and Breakfast with Santa.
A great new addition to the parade start will be the new, decorated 18-foot high Christmas tree which will be in Eisenhower Park. There will be a tree lighting ceremony from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27 at the pier.
The tree will be similar to those seen in such great locations at Fashion Island, South Coast Plaza and the Grove.
The focus of the season is of course the parade. “This is a remarkable year for the parade,” said Scott Newton. “Three decades with a hundred, or close to, of entries each year; we are expecting record participation both in the parade and in spectators.”
Newton has been parade coordinator for the last 10 years and has now taken over as chair.
Jim Klisanin, who has retired from the chairmanship this year, and traditionally throws an invitation only bash at his business, Baytown Realty, said he thinks the parade is in the best shape it ever has been.
“The partnership with the Lions, Chamber and City has never been stronger,” he said. “We are a small community, but full of heart. I know the parade will continue to grow in quality and value for all of Seal Beach.”
The parade will be filled with bands, businesses, non-profits, city departments, military vehicles, schools, groups and politicos of all types.
Usually lasting an hour and a half or so, it packs thousands of people onto our Main Street. Make sure you secure a spot or attend one of the many events put on by Main Street merchants on parade night. There is a tradition among businesses to have a special event or open house and the parade committee encourages this to welcome customers old and new!
It is not unusual to see blankets and chairs set up the morning of the parade.
Be sure to keep the pedestrian walkways clear prior to the parade though.
Restaurants and bars are packed to the gills the night of the parade and you may want to check with your favorite watering hole as there may be special reservations or no reservations on parade night.
New this year will also be a parade program book which will be available in Chamber member businesses the week prior to the parade and will have the complete line up along with some other parade highlights.
There will be both a grand marshal and junior marshal this year – so stay tuned to the Sun for that update and news. We will give you one hint—the grand marshal does have a current successful business in town.
After the parade, Santa will come back in town for Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 11 in Eisenhower Park. Photos and elves may abound with a buffet breakfast. More information will be revealed in our next parade and holiday installment.
If you do wish to have an entry in the parade, the forms are due no later than Nov. 10 and can be downloaded from the Seal Beach Chamber website at www.sealbeachchamber.org or call (562) 799-0179 for more information.
Looking forward to seeing you on Dec. 3.
Seth Eaker is the immediate past president of the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce and the founder of Black Marble Consulting. (www.blackmarbleconsulting.com.)
