Hollywood Christmas Parade returns to the spotlight after a pandemic-triggered hiatus – Daily News
The long-running Hollywood Christmas Parade, a Southern California Christmas tradition, was back in full swing on Sunday, November 28th after it was canceled last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public health officials gave the parade the go-ahead this year, but warned parade goers to exercise caution in the coronavirus era and wear face coverings.
Held in support of the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots initiative, the event attracted 5,000 live attendees – including VIP attendees, marching bands, and four-tier balloons similar to those in the popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
CBS’s The Talk’s Parade Grand Marshal Sheryl Underwood said she is excited to support the Toys for Tots initiative.
“What you really want is for every child to wake up in the morning and have a toy,” Underwood said. “That makes you believe and dream, especially now more than ever.”
Underwood, President and CEO of Toys for Tots Organization William Lomas, and Lt. Gen. James B. Laster of the US Marines all received special certificates of appreciation for their outstanding support of the Toys for Tots of the City of Los Angeles.
In addition to Underwood, the celebrity hosts of this year’s parade included: CHiPs star Erik Estrada, travel presenter Laura McKenzie, TV superman Dean Cain, actress Elizabeth Stanton and talk show host Montel Williams.
The parade ran along a 3.2 mile U-shaped route through the Hollywood area, with performances by the U.S. Marine Corps Band, as well as several local dance academies and high school marching bands.
Another exciting feature of the parade: more than 250 novelties and cars from classic films. Notable among the most notable were the Back To The Future DeLorean, James Bond’s Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day, and the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine Van.
The Idaho Potato Truck with a two-story, two-ton potato was also on display.
Perhaps the most anticipated participant in the parade, however, was, of course, Santa Claus himself.
The 89th Hollywood Christmas Parade will make its way down Hollywood Boulevard on Sunday, November 28, 2021 (Photo by Axel Koester, contributing photographer)
St. Nick said he was most excited to see all of the children and their families on the parade route again this year.
“Where I sit and look down at the families is the most touching moment to see all the little ones up front on the curb,” he said. “They know I am giving them a direct wave, and it’s really nice to see their faces light up when they know Santa has chosen them.”
Danny Trejo – the San Fernando Valley native who built a career from tough roles in parallel life as a restaurateur and philanthropist – was overjoyed with the parade’s return.
“I’m from Los Angeles and I’ve always been here,” said Trejo. “And that’s always been on the menu. It was just great. And to be there, such an honor. “
The Christmas Parade has only been canceled a few times since its inception in 1928.
Officials initially decided against holding the live event from 1942 to 1944, at the height of World War II – then again last year due to the pandemic.
Officials last week urged viewers to enjoy this year’s return – but remember to take precautions as COVID has not gone away. While local coronavirus statistics have been largely flat for the past few weeks, concerns rekindled over the weekend when officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed over the weekend that after the new Omicron® discovered in Africa, Europe and Canada Look out for the variant.
The 89th Hollywood Christmas Parade will make its way down Hollywood Boulevard on Sunday, November 28, 2021 (Photo by Axel Koester, contributing photographer)
“After a very difficult 20 months, and this is to be taken lightly, Hollywood will once again serve as the backdrop for a popular Christmas tradition here in the City of Angels this weekend – the 89th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade,” said the city council from LA, Mitch O’Farrell, whose 13th borough is Hollywood, last week. And he added that the LA County’s Department of Health recommended wearing masks outdoors in crowds greater than 10,000.
“More than 10,000 people will attend this parade in person,” said O’Farrell. “So let’s take these precautions. Folks, we’re starting to get out of this pandemic. Let’s come all the way out and take the necessary precautions so that there are no more outbreaks. “
On Sunday, a group of parade visitors visiting Los Angeles from Washington, DC said they accidentally landed on the parade route.
“We just wanted to take a quick trip here to see the stars,” said Carolina Filippi. “But we’re excited to see what happens.”
The celebrations will be streamed as a two-hour special on The CW Network on Friday, December 17th
The City Intelligence Service contributed to this report
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