Santa flies over Montrose Christmas Parade

The sidewalks along Honolulu Avenue vanished under chairs and the shoes of children, teenagers and adults Saturday evening. Dangling Christmas lights dimly lit the street in front of hundreds of spectators.

At 6 p.m., those lining the sidewalks paired their warm smiles with waves directed to the groups of cheery walkers in the street. Many looked above as Santa Claus, leaning out of a helicopter, shouted “Merry Christmas.”

It was the continuance of a Montrose tradition, more than 38 years in the making.

PHOTOS: Santa Claus does a fly-by over Montrose Christmas Parade

The Montrose Christmas Parade remains a symbol of the community’s start to the holiday season. This year, 135 entries, from local Boy Scout troops to school officials and community leaders, participated in the event.

Horses trotted along the parade route. Some participants waved at onlookers while riding in convertible Ford Mustangs, a nod to the model celebrating its 50-year anniversary, which tied the parade’s theme — “Made in the U.S.A.”

Numerous high school bands, with drums and drumsticks, adorned in lights, performed classic holiday tunes.

On Honolulu Avenue, across the street from Trader Joe’s, were Cheryl Roberts and her 4-year-old daughter, Camillia Hernandez. Both waited for daughter and sister, Jasmine Hernandez, 7, who was in her first year with La Crescenta Cheer.

“This is so popular,” Roberts said, gazing at the groups of people along Honolulu Avenue. “The community spirit draws us here. We think we’ll make this an annual tradition.”

Over the years, the parade has attracted as many as 25,000 attendees from near and far. Parade organizer Cheryl Davis, who also serves on the Crescenta Valley Town Council, said she met a visitor once from Huntington Beach.

“This goes rain or shine,” Davis said. “It’s a great family tradition. A lot of communities don’t do Christmas parades anymore.”

Mary Lou-Iman, 80, and Mary Welsh, 78, sat on a stone wall near the intersection of Honolulu and La Crescenta avenues. Both pointed at Saint Francis High School’s marching band. The drummers tapped their instruments with glowing drumsticks.

Neighbors for the last two years, it was their first time attending the annual parade together. Lou-Iman hardly let her arms rest from waving. She hopped up and down as Welsh looked on.

“It’s beautiful. Just beautiful,” Lou-Iman said, motioning her hands above to the Santa Claus, flying over in the helicopter.