LAGUNA NIGUEL : City to Hold Annual Holiday Parade

What began as a celebration of the city’s incorporation in 1989 continues this year with the fourth annual South County Holiday Parade on Saturday.

The 10:30 a.m. parade will proceed down Crown Valley Parkway from Nueva Vista Drive to Niguel Road, past an expected 15,000 spectators.

It will be accompanied by an arts and crafts festival at Crown Valley Community Park that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jess Marlow, KNBC-TV Channel 4 News co-anchor, will serve as grand marshal.

The parade will feature the Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard from Barstow, the 3rd Marine Air Wing Band from El Toro, 26 Southern California high school marching bands, 15 award-winning equestrian units, and entries from local youth, senior and business organizations.

The parade’s top bands, drill teams and equestrian units will be competing for a total of $10,000 in prizes.

The city has arranged for free parking at the Chet Holifield Federal Building, 24000 Avila Road. A free shuttle will serve the parking lot, the parade route and festival grounds.

Festival entertainment is scheduled to include shows by the Eddie Reed Big Band, and Scott Land and his Marionettes.

The festival will also offer international foods and kiddie rides, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to take photos with the children.

Admission to both the parade and the festival is free.

Anyone wishing to volunteer their help at the parade should contact City Hall at (714) 362-4300.