2 Valley Parades on Tap for Weekend

Holiday parades today in Pacoima and Sunday in Chatsworth promise to spread the spirit of the season with marching bands, color guards, drill teams, classic cars and equestrian groups.

State Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar) and high school seniors in his Young Senators program will hand out candy canes during the Pacoima Christmas Parade. The approximately 80 students in the program learn about government and are encouraged to perform community service, Alarcon said.

The 32nd annual parade, sponsored by the Pacoima Chamber of Commerce, begins at 9 a.m. at California Federal Bank, 13657 Van Nuys Blvd. It will travel east on Van Nuys Boulevard to the David M. Gonzales Recreation Center at 10943 Herrick Ave.

On Sunday, the Chatsworth Holiday Parade will be followed by a festival at Mason Recreation Center, 10400 Mason Ave. The festival will feature arts and crafts, square and swing dancers, music, food and awards for parade participants.

A portion of the parade proceeds will benefit iodine deficiency disorders. Iodine deficiency is a leading preventable cause of mental retardation in young children.

The 16th annual parade, sponsored by the Chatsworth Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Chatsworth, begins at 1 p.m. It will travel down Devonshire Street, starting at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and continuing east to Mason Avenue.