Santa Claus the hit of the Christmas Parade

Santa Claus came to his favorite city Saturday to delight the crowd at the 63rd Annual Optimist Club Christmas Parade, where everyone enjoyed “Christmas at Grandma’s” and cheered on dozens and dozens of entries that marched through the historic downtown. 

Grand Marshal Ken Ary - longtime Lions Club member also known as Mr. 50-50 for operating the athletic program-benefiting raffles at SPHS sporting events - led the parade, the oldest such holiday procession in Ventura County.

Optimist Ron Merson said Saturday’s parade, his 31st as coordinator, “was fantastic... there was a large variety of entries which meant that there was something for everyone.... The weather was great, just right for a parade,” especially one that had about 60 entries and lasted more than an hour.  

The parade got off to a flying start when dozens of doves, symbols of peace and the holiday, were released by trainer Pepe Gonzalez and soared above historic Main Street. Said Merson, “The doves were spectacular that added something new and interesting” for the parade watchers who lined both sides of East Main Street from 7th to 10th. 

“We are very thankful to the community for all of their financial support and participation as an entry or spectator,” said Merson. “This is what makes Santa Paula such a great community.... Each year we make changes to improve the parade,” he noted, “and it shows on parade day.”

What also showed on parade day was the imagination of Santa Paula Hospital, which won the Sweepstakes (Best Use of Theme) trophy with a recreation of “Christmas at Grandma’s” - down to a rambunctious reindeer seeming about ready to run the old girl over. A Christmas tree that came alive and merry elves were also part of the prize-winning display. 

A show of equipment and personnel of the Santa Paula Police Department led the parade, followed by the Optimist Club banner. Boys Scout Troops and Packs and the 187th Airborne Color Guard showed the flags. 

A variety of other veterans’ groups - Mercer-Prieto Post 2043, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans - garnered their usual strong applause and cheers.

Grand Marshal Ary’s convertible also carried his wife Gloria and their fraternal twin grandchildren Zoey and Dillon, who came all the way from Texas to take part in the parade. Newly elected City Councilman Martin Hernandez and his wife Holly rode on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, and Ventura County Supervisor Kathy Long waved from a convertible that matched her red hair.

Santa Paula High School Cheer/Pep Squad showed some great moves in their Cardinal red, white and gold uniforms. Ventura Packers Cheerleaders also showed their cheering stuff. 

There were two award-winning marching bands - Isbell Middle School and Santa Paula High School Marching Band hitting all the right holiday notes. And the Girl Scouts of America celebrated 100 years of Scouting with dozens of girls from the 20 clubs throughout the Heritage Valley. Cub Scout Pack 3305 - the oldest pack in California - and American Heritage Girls Troop of St. Sebastian Church also marched. 

Briggs 4-H was rocking in western wear, while members of the Santa Paula Future Farmers of America helped with parade cleanup duties.

Santa Paula Relay for Life had a strong showing, including those wearing purple cancer survivor T-shirts, and the Castro Family and Friends Fighting Cancer showed off their team. State Farm’s Girl Team celebrated one year in the insurance business, while Xtreme U-13 Girls Soccer were relaxing in their PJs and listening to Grandma read a Christmas story.