38th Annual Parade Includes OB Hero as Grand Marshall, First African-American Santa, and “No Target in OB” Float
The holidays are here, the OB Christmas Tree is up – and this Saturday, December 2nd is the Ocean Beach 38th Holiday Parade. This year the parade has the classic theme of “California Dreamin’ in the Season of Love” – commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love.
The Summer of Love in 1967 heralded the beginning of the Golden Age of Rock, the Counter-Culture, the hippie movement and the anti-Vietnam War movement. (See this collection of memories of locals and others who remembered that summer.)
OB Hero Taylor Winston Is Grand Marshal
The chief sponsor of the OB Holiday Parade is the OB Town Council and this year the Council chose Taylor Winston, the OB resident who became a hero for his actions during the recent Las Vegas mass shooting, as the grand marshal of the Parade.
OB Parade Only Parade in California Totally Volunteer
Marcus Turner, OBTC vice president, told the press: “The annual OB Holiday Parade is one of the most special events in Ocean Beach. It is the only parade that is 100 percent volunteer-driven,” a claim he has made at OBTC meetings, but included the comparison for all of California.
First African-American Santa in OB Parade
Marcus Turner is also making some history at the parade, for he will be the holiday event’s first-ever African-American Santa. Santa usually rides one of the OB fire trucks down Newport Avenue.
Will “No Target In OB” Parade Float Be Event Highlight?
Some are claiming the “No Target In OB” Christmas parade float will be an event highlight.
OB parade volunteer Spencer Higgs hinted that the “No Target” float entry will be something not to miss. Float organizer Spencer Higgs told the Beacon:
“We’ve got a really fun concept that’s going to engender the classic Ocean Beach vibe, while also spreading awareness to help keep Target Express out. We’re going to outfit a pickup for the main piece, surrounded by supporters on foot, walking, dancing, waving, and generally being merry OBceans, encouraging bystanders to join along as they please. Classic, eco-friendly, communal… very OB.”
“We need help bringing it to life. We would like anyone who’s interested in helping out, or being part of the parade, to join us to discuss roles and other creative ways of building off our idea. Spread the word on social media. Do what you can to help us make this a great addition to the parade.”
To participate in the Target float, email spencerhiggs@gmail.com.
The parade begins in typical OB fashion, at 5:05 p.m. at the intersection of Newport Avenue and Ebers Street, then goes west down Newport and turns at Abbott Street, ending at the Ocean Beach Lifeguard Tower.
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