More than 20,000 people flock to Covina's Christmas parade

By Brian Day, Staff Writer
The San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Posted: 12/05/2009 10:47:45 PM PST

Members and friends of the Sonrise Christian School during the 59th Annual Covina Christmas Parade, Saturday night, Nov. 5, 2009. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Eric Reed)

COVINA - More than 20,000 people gathered in the streets of Covina on Saturday for the city's 59th Annual Christmas Parade.

Families gathered on blankets and reclined in lawn chairs as they watched marching bands, floats, dignitaries and a host of other parade entries head west on Badillo Street from Second Avenue, and then South on Hollenbeck Avenue to Puente Avenue.

Emily Dalton of Covina said it was her first time to attend the parade after moving into town last year.

"I think it's amazing," she said. "They really go all out."

Dalton said as a former drum major at Rosemead High School, she's especially fond of the marching bands.

In addition to the marchers and other parade entertainers, Dalton said she liked the strong feeling of community while attending the parade.

"I love that feeling," she said. "I love that about this city. Everyone's smiling and happy. You can't help but have a good time."

Karen Praeger of Azusa, who was waiting to watch her husband and son pass by on the Covina Concert Band Moving Bandstand float, agreed.

"There's a great community spirit here," she said.

Praeger said she also was impressed by the parade entries.

"They really do a great job with the floats," she said.

Police estimated between 20,000 and 25,000 people attended the parade, Covina police Lt. John Curley said.

"This parade attracts people from all over," he said.

The parade's two celebrity grand marshals were custom car builder George Barris, who created such popular vehicles as TV's "Batmobile" and the "Munster's Koach," as well as Covina native John Valencia of the Discovery Channel's "The Colony."

The parade also featured a "hometown hero" grand marshal, Covina Special Olympian Susy Marshal.

Covina City Council members waived to the crowd from classic and high-end cars, and Mayor Walter Allen III did circles on the parade route on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Allen rode in honor of his late wife, Patricia, who lost a 16-year battle with cancer May 19.

Covina police Chief Kim Raney, Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Ron Watson, Rep. Judy Chu, and Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina, were just some of the dignitaries who rode in the parade, which went on for about two hours.

brian.day@sgvn.com

(626) 962-8811, Ext. 4586