EDITORIAL:

Nothing puts a smile on a face better than a grand parade. And the smiles were a mile long, down Olive Avenue from Lincoln to Lomita streets during Burbank on Parade last Saturday.

Despite the devastating heat, everybody seemed to be having a great time, whether they were spectators or participants.

High school band members had an extra spring in their step as they marched, knowing their moms and dads, uncles and aunts and sisters and brothers were watching.

They had polished their musical instruments so brightly that they glimmered under the hot sun.

Ponies all decked out in their equestrian finery strutted their stuff as children called to their parents, “Mommy, Daddy, aren’t they cute?”

Several of the groups in the parade incorporated the 1950s theme into their costumes, like dancers who dressed in bobby socks, saddle shoes and poodle skirts. Adding to that theme was the statue of Bob’s Big Boy, with the recognizable cherub face and round tummy, which was on a trailer pulled by a tractor driven by Burbank Historical Society board member Gary Sutliff. You could almost smell that double-deck hamburger on a sesame seed bun and French fries.

Spectators snapped up what little shade there was along the route and set up their folding chairs. Some brought sodas and bottled water and chests packed with ice. Others brought snacks to nibble while the entries scooted by.

One of the most popular vehicles in the parade was the airport fire truck. When it sprayed water more than 100 feet in the air, several spectators ran out into the street ahead of it to get drenched. A most welcome relief.

Over at Izay Park, the fun continued with the arts and crafts festival, display of classic vehicles provided by the Road Kings car club and awards ceremony.

The parade is a great way to bring people together. You see classmates catching up, neighbors reminiscing about the good old days and parents exchanging notes about their children’s schools or Cub Scout activities.

A truckload of thanks goes out to the volunteers who coordinate the parade each year.

They do their best to get the most inspiring entries and plan all the fun that goes into the daylong event. The city eagerly awaits what surprises the committee has in store for next year.