Fallbrook Christmas parade theme and grand marshal selected

FALLBROOK – Every year, on the first Saturday of December, something special happens in Fallbrook. The annual Fallbrook Christmas Parade rolls down Main Street at 5 p.m., the entries festooned with lights and holiday decorations, and Christmas music is in the air. It is a beloved local tradition, designed to officially announce the beginning of Christmastime in the village of Fallbrook. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the event, and there is a special feeling about this one. Parade committee members are hard at work to gather special sponsors and entries to make this year’s parade one to remember.

The parade theme this year was again chosen by a local resident, in response to the committee members’ query to the community at large. Theme contest winner Joanne Rodriguez suggested “Traditions of Christmas,” and Christmas Parade Committee members decided hers was the most appropriate amongst all entries. Rodriguez will have the opportunity to ride in a convertible in the parade, which will have the Theme Winner banner carried in front of it.

The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade has also been announced, and will be local community leader Jerri Patchett. She was chosen by the committee members by majority vote for her commitment to Fallbrook and community interests.

The Chamber of Commerce has received many entries so far, so it promises to be the usual spectacular event. A number of local marching bands have applied so far, and expectations are that there will be as many as 10 total. The parade will also see a return of the Shriners’ Tin Lizzies, which have been an annual crowd pleaser, buzzing Main Street in front of the float carrying Santa Claus. Also returning for another “run” is the restored 1902 steam pumper fire engine known as The American, which tours Southern California and makes many special appearances. This special engagement for the parade is being sponsored by the Fallbrook Firefighters Association and the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club. Another historic fire engine pledging its first appearance in the parade is “Big Jimmy,” a meticulously restored 1939 General Motors CalFire engine, which now resides in the CalFire museum

Anyone who would also like to be a part of this spectacular event, can stop in and pick up an application at the Chamber office, or download an entry form at the Chamber website by visiting http://www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.com/eventsV-2/christmas-parade.com. Deadline for entry is Friday, Nov. 18, with no entries permitted after Nov. 23.

Sponsorship packages are now available as well, for those who are true community-builders and would like to make a contribution to the expenses that are inevitable with an event this large. Sponsorship levels begin as low as $50; contact the Chamber for details at (760) 728-5845 and ask for Elf Kathie.