Montrose on parade

Thousands of residents lining Honolulu Avenue cheered and waved Saturday as Santa Claus flew overhead in a helicopter — a trademark of the annual Montrose Christmas Parade.

Organizers estimated more than 10,000 people came from throughout Glendale, Montrose and La Crescenta for the parade, this year titled the Montrose-Glendale Christmas Parade.

Many in attendance said the parade, in its 33rd year, is an important holiday tradition not to be missed.

“It’s not Christmas if you don’t see your neighbors in the parade. It’s an institution,” said 20-year-old Dani Martinez, who has been attending the parade since she was a child.

Martinez and her mother arrived before 5 p.m. Saturday in hopes of snagging one of the remaining coveted front-row seats. By 4 p.m., much of the parade route — Honolulu Avenue between Rosemont Avenue and Verdugo Road — had been lined with lawn chairs and blankets.

“It’s Christmas. Where else would they be?” parade coordinator Steve Pierce said of the hordes of people who come every year.

By 6 p.m., the eastern stretch of Honolulu was filled with parade-goers bundled up in scarves and jackets and huddled under blankets awaiting the parade, while the western stretch was filled with a cacophony of sound as bands and other parade entrants prepared to begin their march.

A variety of entries filled the parade — ranging from community leaders driving in convertibles and classic cars to marching bands, cheerleading and dance squads and local scouting troops.

Major sponsors included the city of Glendale, Montrose Shopping Park Assn., Glendale Police and Fire departments and the Montrose Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.

Earlier in the day, local Cub Scout 8-year-old Christopher Lawson could hardly contain his excitement about taking part in the parade.

“He had so much fun last year saying Merry Christmas to everyone,” said his mother, Dominica Lawson.

A new parade entry this year was organized by Colin Bogart, a liaison with the nonprofit Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, who is helping Glendale create a Safe and Healthy Streets Plan. Around 30 local bicyclists hit the parade route donning festive decorations on their helmets on bikes.

Glendale residents Arpine and Patrick Karapetian said the parade was a fun way for them to promote the cause.

“We’re trying to promote the usage of streets for both pedestrians and bicycles,” Arpine Karapetian said. “Share the streets.”

Scott Feeney enjoys the parade’s “small-town feel.”

“I was raised in La Crescenta so I’ve been coming every year since it started,” he said. “It’s tradition.”

Get in touch MELANIE HICKEN covers City Hall. She may be reached at (818) 637-3235 or by e-mail at melanie.hicken@latimes. com.