La Jolla’s ‘Classic Christmas’ parade still needs money

By Dave Schwab

daves@lajollalight.com

Fundraising is in full swing for the 54th annual La Jolla Christmas Parade and Holiday Festival Sunday, Dec. 4.

“We need your support,” said Ann Kerr Bache, parade chair for La Jolla Town Council, which sponsors the annual holiday festivities starting with the 2 p.m. parade on Girard Avenue. This year’s theme is “Classic Christmas.”

Activities continue after the parade at 3:30 p.m. with the Holiday Festival at the La Jolla Recreation Center, which ends with the lighting of the Christmas Tree sponsored by the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club and GDC Construction. Children will be able to get their pictures taken with Santa.

“We’re about three-quarters of the way, to the fundraising goal of $45,000, she said, noting that the parade costs about $45,000 when you consider all of the costs like police staffing, rentals and the like. “We need another $10,000 to $15,000 by parade time.”

About 70 percent of the cost comes from individual donors with the rest from organizations and businesses. This year they have received funds from the Dr. Seuss Foundation and the La Valencia. The committee is waiting to find out if they will get a donation from County Supervisor Ron Roberts’ office.

Donations can be made online at www.ljparade.com and parade participants can sign up there as well. Registration closes Nov. 15; participants will be listed on the website by this weekend.

So far, Kerr Bache said, “We’ve got about six or seven bands, including the Marine Color Guard and 50-plus equestrians as well as numerous floats.”

Kerr said the parade honorees include June Barrymore Ash, selected as Grand Marshal for her countless contributions to the community. Also being honored are Robert Meanley (Ace Hardware), William White (Ascot Shop), Nancy Warwick (Warwick’s), Dennis Wills (D.G. Wills) and Neil Ash are being honored as Goodwill, Cultural, and Military Marshals, respectively.

Students nominated by public and private La Jolla schools will ride in the parade as Student Marshals, recognizing their community service.

Watch the Light’s Dec. 1 edition and website for more details, including maps and street closures.