The annual Ocean Beach Christmas Parade and a multitude of charitable events will get under way with the arrival the community Christmas tree on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The tree decoration is slated for early the next day.
Ocean Beach Town Councilmembers are inviting the community and several area schools to help decorate the tree from 9 a.m. to noon, said Gerry Boemke, Ocean Beach Town Council Tree Committee co-chair.
The Christmas Parade is scheduled to run along Newport Avenue from Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to Abbott Street, then along Abbott Street toward Santa Monica Avenue on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 5:05 p.m.
A “Fun Zone” at the OB Pier parking lot at the end of Newport Avenue will include children’s activities, stage comedy and amateur wrestling. Ocean Beach Surf and Skate, 4881 Newport Ave., will hold demonstrations next to live music, food and activity booths from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. prior to the parade.
“It’s a lot of fun and I want to let people know its open to the public and to come join us,” said Claudia Jack, Ocean Beach Tree Committee chair.
The tree decoration and parade launch about a month of crafts fairs, music festivals and food and toy drives involving residents, visitors and volunteers.
Throughout the month of December the Ocean Beach Town Council will be accepting nonperishable food items and new unwrapped toys for the annual Food and Toy Drive on Wednesdays, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, at the Farmers Market and Music Festival.
The Music Festival at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market includes more than a dozen performers on selected dates, according to committee members.
Last year the Food and Toy Drive benefited about 69 families and senior citizens living in or attending school in Ocean Beach, Jack said. All of the donations are given to local families and senior citizens, she said.
During the week of Monday, Dec. 10, the council will be accepting donations at the Masonic Center, 1711 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Monetary donations for food and toys can be sent to the OB Tree Festival, P.O. Box 7521, San Diego, CA, 92167.
The food and toys are delivered to needy families Saturday, Dec. 15.
The success of the events depends largely on volunteer efforts by both the Town Council and the community, said Denny Knox, executive director of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association.
“It’s the definition of the community,” she said. “People willing to do things for others. It defines the heart of our community.”
The Ocean Beach Town Council Tree Committee is also currently accepting applications through Monday, Nov. 26 from local businesses and individuals who want to participate in this year’s parade.
This year’s parade theme is “120 Years of Ocean Beach.” Attendees can purchase T-shirts depicting a couple from 120 years ago juxtaposed with a couple in modern clothes. Jack said several participants in this year’s parade will be dressed in the vintage attire.
“[The Christmas events] have been a tradition for a long time,” said Boehmke.
As part of the festivities, the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association hosts a Holiday Storefront Decorating Contest with cash prizes starting at $150 to $200. Judging takes place Friday, Nov. 30, at dusk. To enter, fax the business name, address and brief description of the storefront to (619) 224-4976.
Home decorators will also get a chance to display their skills with the Holiday Home Decoration Contest in categories such as best use of lighting, most original and judge’s choice, according to Tree Committee members. Judging takes place Friday, Dec. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Ocean Beach Town Council meets every fourth Wednesday ” except in November and December ” at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Center on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. The group acts as a community liaison to elected representatives of the area. For more information and a list of scheduled events visit www.obtowncouncil.com, or call (619) 515-4400.