LAGUNA NIGUEL : City Plans Parade, Holiday Events

Two weeks of events celebrating the holidays and Laguna Niguel’s first birthday will get under way next Saturday and climax a week later with a cityhood parade featuring Santa Claus as grand marshal.

The parade, which will march along Crown Valley Parkway and temporarily close the city’s main roadway, is expected to draw at least 10,000 spectators, organizers say.

The following events will take place in the city next month:

* Dec. 1--A “Winter Wonderland” will be held at Chapparosa Community Park on San Juan Creek Drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tons of snow will be delivered to the park, and sleigh rides will be provided for children. Tickets must be purchased in advance. At 5 p.m., there will be a tree-lighting ceremony at Crown Valley Community Park on Crown Valley Parkway. At 7:30 p.m., a cityhood celebration dinner and dance will be held at Design Center South on Aliso Creek Road; tickets for this event are limited and cost $55.

* Dec. 5--”A Christmas Carol” will be presented at 7 p.m. in the main building at Crown Valley Community Park. There is no admission charge.

* Dec. 8--A parade with 2,500 participants, including 20 competing bands and drill teams from throughout Southern California, will begin at 10 a.m.

* Dec. 9--Christmas caroling at 5 p.m. at the YMCA at Crown Valley Community Park.

* Dec. 16--Judging of residential and commercial holiday decorations. Applications available at City Hall. All entries must be in by Dec. 3.

Call (714)-643-1610 for information on the events.