Pacoima : Christmas Parade Set for Saturday

Olympic champion Rafer Johnson will be the grand marshal of the 29th annual Christmas Parade, to be staged Saturday at 9 a.m.

“Rafer Johnson is an outstanding individual, a Valley resident, and also a longtime friend,” said Ed Kussman, president of the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, which has sponsored the parade since it began.

Johnson is a board member and has long been active in the San Fernando Valley Fair Housing Council. In addition to Johnson, Police Chief Willie L. Williams and area Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar) will also ride in the parade.

“It’s going to be quite an affair,” said Kussman.

“There will be more groups participating this year than ever before.”

The parade will feature floats, marching bands, equestrian groups and assorted performers, said Kussman. Trophies will be awarded to the best band, best equestrian group and in several other categories.

The theme of this year’s parade is “My Life, Our Future.”

Music and entertainment have been scheduled for a post-parade celebration at the Boys & Girls Club and at a shopping mall located at the end of the parade route.

The parade will begin in front of TransWorld Bank at 13657 Van Nuys Blvd. and travel east along Van Nuys from Amboy Avenue to Glenoaks Boulevard.