By Brett Hawkins
Staff Writer
Santa Claus is just one of many public figures that will be appearing at the 55th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 13. Joining Saint Nick will be Long Beach mayors— past and present— serving as the grand marshals. This includes Long Beach’s current mayor, Bob Foster, as well as former mayors Beverly O’Neill, Tom Clark, and Eunice Sato. It is these four elected officials that will be leading the various marching bands, antique car clubs, and children of all ages dressed for the occasion. “Having mayors be a part of this year’s parade makes this year very special,” 7th District Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga said. Several neighborhood associations all pitched in under the leadership of Uranga to make this year’s parade happen.
“The community is coming together for a great parade this year,” she said of the various neighborhood associations who are planning the parade in unity. In recent weeks the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA) and the Wrigley Association cosigned official permits with the City of Long Beach for the parade and its variety of activities including entertainment, games, and home-decorating contests.
The 55th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade will take place Saturday, December 13 at 5 pm. The parade commences at the corner of Daisy Avenue and Burnett Street, travels southward to Pacific Coast Highway, and then turns back to loop the Lane displays to Hill Street. Uranga welcomes volunteers and can be reached at (562) 570-6319.
