Music highlight of parade

Molly Shore

Burbank on Parade will soon be marching down city streets, but

organizers are still looking for participants.

The parade is April 26, and any individual or group wishing to

participate must apply by March 21.

Plans for the 22nd annual parade include lots of music, which

complements this year’s theme, “Music Makes the World Go Round.” The

parade begins at 11 a.m. at Olive Avenue at Keystone Street and

travels to George Izay Park, where it will culminate in a special

band concert.

Parade President Sally Hooper said it is too soon to list all the

participating bands, but adds that, this year, spectators are in for

a special treat, when an award-winning, out-of-state high school band

marches in the procession for the first time.

“The parade is open to any community or civic group. We have

always had the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts and other youth groups,

equestrian units and bands from all over the state,” Hooper said.

Floats are built by each group, and decorated with bales of hay

from the Equestrian Center on flatbeds donated by Terry Lumber,

Hooper said.

“We don’t try to be the Rose Parade or the [Hollywood] Christmas

Parade,” she said.

Past President Sandy Dennis and several friends started Burbank on

Parade 22 years ago after the parade’s absence for more than two

decades. Originally part of a weeklong celebration, the parade first

began in 1947 and was held annually until 1957, Dennis said.

Its original route started on San Fernando Boulevard near what is

now the Media City Center, Dennis said.

“I can remember sitting on Main Street watching the horses go up

the street to [the start of the parade] on San Fernando Road,” Dennis

said. “That brings memories back.”

For a parade entry application, call 768-0895.