MULTICULTURAL MARCH : Themed Floats, Costumed Dancers and, Yes, Character Balloons Are Part of Heritage and Holiday Parade

The Times Orange County Holiday Parade started in 1984 by borrowing ideas from some more famous cousins, with floral floats reminiscent of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena and huge character balloons such as those seen in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

Now in its 10th year, the Orange County parade--which steps off Saturday--has undergone a major face-lift that reflects a decision to put more emphasis on Southern California’s multicultural makeup. In the process, organizers say, the parade has gained a flavor all its own.

“A year ago, our board of directors changed the mission statement” of the parade, said Nancy Viking, managing director of the event with her husband Robert. “We decided we should have a little loftier mission than just having fun.”

In addition to featuring dancers and other performers from a variety of cultures in the parade itself, event organizers have worked to draw from all of Orange County’s diverse ethnic groups in recruiting volunteers, board members and sponsors.

Fans of old-fashioned parades needn’t fret. The balloons, the marching bands and Santa Claus himself are still there, but they’ll be bringing up the rear. For the first time, this year’s parade will unwind in two distinct parts.

The first will feature a multicultural flair, with themed floats and costumed dancers from throughout Southern California representing Korea, West Africa, Scotland, Scandinavia, Bolivia, Mexico, Japan, Italy, China and other countries, regions and cultures.

Among the groups joining the parade for the first time are a 30-member Korean troupe representing Kim Ung Hwa’s L.A. Dance Academy; the Zenshuji Zendeko Japanese Taiko Drummers; the Misty Isle Pipe Band, with Scottish regimental music, and Leon Mobley’s Djimbe West African Drummers and Dancers.

Returning groups include the San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Assn. Dragon Delight, the Fiesta Folklorico Dancers and the Diablada Boliviana “devil dancers.”

“It’s going to be really unique. It won’t be a band-float-horse-car kind of thing,” Viking said. “It’s more like a pageant or procession.”

The second half will be more like past events, a “traditional American kind of holiday parade,” in Viking’s words. Featured will be huge balloons depicting Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, Mighty Mouse and other cartoon characters; floats, equestrians, and Santa himself riding at the end of the 90-minute procession.

Jack Lindquist, retiring president of Disneyland, is the 1993 Orange County grand marshal, riding with parade grand marshals Mickey Mouse and 1993 Disneyland ambassador Kathleen Mitts.

A late addition to the parade is a salute to Southern California firefighters, for their work in battling the recent rash of major fires. “We just invited all these (fire) companies to send people and get a round of applause for what they’ve done in the past month,” Viking said.

One other new feature for the parade is its date, coming two weeks earlier in the season than it has in the past. Last year, the parade moved from downtown Santa Ana to the South Coast Plaza area; the new route was a hit, Viking said, but some merchants complained that it caused too much traffic, so the parade was moved to this Saturday, before the official opening of the Christmas shopping season.

The parade will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and people are advised to arrive early. You can park for the event is in the structure between Park Center Drive and Avenue of the Arts, off Sunflower Avenue, or in the one off Anton Boulevard east of Bristol Street.

Some area streets will be closed before and during the parade. Shuttles to spots on the parade route will leave every 15 minutes between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. from the Santa Ana Transportation Center, 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd., and from the Automobile Club parking lot at Fairview Road and Sunflower Avenue. Return shuttles will run every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and noon. Fares are $1 each way.

The parade will be videotaped and broadcast on KNBC-TV Channel 4 on Sunday, Nov. 28, at 1:30 p.m.

What

Times Orange County Holiday Parade.

When

Saturday, Nov. 20, 9 to 10:30 a.m. (Arrive early for best viewing places.)

Where

Sunflower Avenue and Bristol Street, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa.

Whereabouts

From the San Diego (405) Freeway, exit at Bristol Street and go north. Turn right on either Anton Boulevard or Town Center Drive and proceed to parking structures (see story for shuttle/parking information).

Wherewithal

Free. Charges for parking in some lots; shuttle fare is $1 in each direction.

Where to call

Times Link, (714) 808-8463, *7200. For bus information, call (714) 636-7433.