Rain Didn’t Put a Damper On Holiday Parade

Santa Barbara Downtown has produced the Downtown Holiday Parade along State Street for six decades.

This year, organizers made the parade appear more professional.

Professional floats sponsored by local businesses were sandwiched between marching bands-and children’s dance groups.

There were also giant balloons like the ones parade lovers would see at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City.

Members of the Old Spanish Days committee were in the parade. They told spectators to watch for an Old Spanish Days Fiesta float in the upcoming Rose Parade.

Local high school bands were not the only ones taking part, Pacifica High School Triton Marching Band and Guard from Oxnard took part too.

The bands are vying for trophies that will be handed out over the weekend.

Actor and Carpinteria resident Alan Thicke served as Grand Marshal, while Santa Claus and his sleigh were the final entry.