26th Annual Parade to Be Held Saturday

The 26th edition of the Pacoima Christmas Parade will wend its way along Van Nuys Boulevard on Saturday morning.

Los Angeles City Councilman Richard Alarcon, who represents the area, has been elected grand marshal of the parade; its theme is “Pacoima Rejoices From Neighbor to Neighbor.”

Organizers chose the theme with an eye toward recent racially divisive events, including the trial and sentencing of the assailants in the Reginald Denny beating.

“We feel that Los Angeles as a whole is still in the healing process, and this parade has always been an event that brings out the community and brings the community together,” said Leroy Adams, president of the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the TransWorld Bank building at Van Nuys Boulevard and Amboy Avenue. It will proceed east along Van Nuys to the Pacoima Community Center at Glenoaks Boulevard. A festival will be held in the center from noon to 4 p.m., featuring crafts and food.

The two-mile-long parade has a multicultural theme, and a variety of participants--including car clubs, equestrian groups, marching bands, drill teams and floats--will compete for prizes. Of course, Santa Claus and his eight tiny reindeer will make a showing as well.