Cardenas Will Guide 31st Christmas Parade

The holiday season will be celebrated Saturday with the 31st annual Pacoima Christmas Parade.

The parade’s Grand Marshall, Assemblyman Tony Cardenas (D-Sylmar), will lead the parade from its starting point at the corner of Laurel Canyon and Van Nuys boulevards, north on Van Nuys Boulevard, past San Fernando Road, turning right on Herrick Avenue. The parade, which starts at 9 a.m., will then proceed to David Gonzales Park, at 10943 Herrick Ave.

The crowd will be met by folklorico dancers, mariachi and rock roll bands playing traditional tunes and songs of Pacoima’s native son, the late Ritchie Valens. Booths offering a variety of ethnic food specialties will also be at the end of the two-mile route.

In addition to local school bands and drill teams, floats and equestrian groups, kids will have a chance to get a close-up look at a U.S. Marine Corps tank and the vintage Wells Fargo mail carriage. No word on Santa’s preferred vehicle, but he will be there too, parade officials said.

For information, call the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce at (818) 595-8065 or the Valley Economic Development Center at (818) 834-9860.