Last year, the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade featured the wedding float of OB Planning Board chair John Ambert.
By contrast, this year’s 38th annual parade is themed “California Dreamin’ in the Season of Love.” It will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, which spearheaded the anti-war and free speech movements in California, including OB at that time.
How more OB could it be?
In 2017, there’s something new to protest in the beach community. And it is likely that the “No Target In OB” Christmas parade float will be an event highlight.
OB parade volunteer Spencer Higgs hinted that the “No Target” float entry will be something not to miss.
“We’ve got a really fun concept that’s going to engender the classic Ocean Beach vibe, while also spreading awareness to help keep Target Express out,” said Higgs. “We’re going to outfit a pickup for the main piece, surrounded by supporters on foot, walking, dancing, waving, and generally being merry OBecians, encouraging bystanders to join along as they please. Classic, eco-friendly, communal… very OB.”
But, added Higgs: “We need help bringing it to life. We would like anyone who’s interested in helping out, or being part of the parade, to join us to discuss roles and other creative ways of building off our idea. Spread the word on social media. Do what you can to help us make this a great addition to the parade.”
To participate in the Target float, email [email protected].
There will also be a special addition to the parade this year. OB Town Council is honored to have Taylor Winston, the Ocean Beach resident who acted so heroically during the Las Vegas shooting, as the grand marshal of the OB Holiday Parade. Not only did Taylor save lives during the shooting by acting quickly to transport the injured to a hospital, he continues to be a voice for victims by raising money for the Las Vegas Victims Fund.
“The annual OB Holiday Parade is one of the most special events in Ocean Beach. It is the only parade that is 100 percent volunteer-driven, and this year we are honored to host our local hero Taylor Winston as the grand marshal of the parade,” said Marcus Turner, OBTC vice president. “Winston exemplifies everything that it means to be a true Obecian, in coming together and celebrating life, family, and peace.”
The parade is one of the most unique and colorful Yuletide events in San Diego and will kick off the holiday season in style at 5:05 p.m. The historic Newport Avenue business district will be lined with awe-inspiring floats, a fleet of classic cars, Celtic bagpipers, marching bands, community leaders, and children on unicycles – there is something to entertain everyone.
One of the charms of this parade is that spectators can get a good view of it anywhere along Newport Avenue from Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to Veterans Plaza and around the corner down from Abbott Street to Santa Monica Avenue. And, of course, there will be a visit from the big guy himself, Santa Claus.
The parade will begin at the intersection of Newport Avenue and Ebers Street, and continue due west until reaching the OB tree planted in the sand at the foot of Newport. It will then will turn down Abbott Street, ending at the Ocean Beach Lifeguard Tower.
The Ocean Beach Town Council, its volunteer board and community volunteers help make the parade possible.
People of all ages are invited to attend this free event in Ocean Beach. OB Holiday Parade When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:05 p.m. Where: The parade will begin at Newport Avenue and Ebers Street, head west to the foot of Newport, then will turn down Abbott ending at lifeguard tower.