Christmas sweaters, lit Christmas light necklaces and hot chocolate were on display Saturday for the 39th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade.
Every year the Belmont Shore Business Association hosts the parade which starts at Second Street and Ocean Blvd. and continues through 2nd Street and Bayshore Ave.
“(I am) here to enjoy the Christmas lights and hang out,” Karla Rodgriuez, Long Beach City College student, was sitting along the street waiting for the parade to start.
Rodriguez is in her second year at LBCC on her way to become an licensed vocational nurse.
“(I) am looking forward to seeing LBCC’s float, I heard they will be here too,” Rodriguez said.
With heavy anticipation for the parade, spectators piled in by the hundreds all looking for the best seat for the celebration.
Dave Osborne, an LBCC Alumni (1979), was in attendance with his wife Donna.
“I used to attend LBCC and I am currently retired, but I used to play clarinet in the school’s band so I am still a fan,” Osborne said. “We have been coming here for years. When we were in college we used to hang out at the bars with friends and watch the parade.”
As the skies darkened, numerous floats began to drive by. The Lit Riders, who are a group of bicyclists with Christmas lights, rode across 2nd Street.
With the parade in full effect, the LBCC’s Board of Trustee President Herlinda Chico walked along with students of LBCC.
There was also the LBCC Carole Choir singing some 30 different Christmas Carole’s while on their float.
“We are excited to perform this year at the parade,” Skye Angulo, LBCC’s choir director said. “We will be featuring our newest rendition of Jingle Bell Rock, which the students have worked very hard at this year.”
Cheerleaders from LBCC were also in attendance as well. Sky Mckall, who is on the cheer team, embraced the crowd with a few back handsprings to get onlookers excited.
Spectators were filled with holiday spirit and those walking the float gave another season to celebrate the holiday next year.