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Yucaipa Christmas Parade a holiday tradition On Sat., Dec. 14, at 12 pm, Yucaipa will host its 59th Annual Christmas Parade on Yucaipa Blvd. The original parade was started by a group of local churches 59 years ago. "It's unclear when the Lion's Club took over," said Parade Chairwoman Nita Allgower, "but we know we had Lion's Club members involved as early as 52 years ago." This year's theme is "A Boot Scootin' Christmas," which means Yucaipa will get to enjoy Western or old time themed floats. Even the bands will be joining in on the fun, as they will most likely be playing themed music as well. The bands will have professional judges scoring them who will be seated in between First and Second St. in the First Baptist Church Parking lot. "We will be awarding as many places as there are bands," said Allgower. The winning band will receive a trophy, but every participant in the parade will receive a ribbon. Grand Marshall Scott Ward, from KFROG radio, will lead this year's parade. Although the parade committee hasn't received all of the applications yet, they expect the return 12 OUR YUCAIPA | December 2013 of groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, local businesses, firefighters, and Lion's Club dignitaries. The annual Christmas Parade is a tradition in Yucaipa. "Everyone comes out for it. You are either in the parade or out watching it" said Allgower, "If you live in Yucaipa, you know about it." Allgower also wanted to remind Yucaipa it doesn't matter if it rains, snows, or is 95 degrees (all of which is has been in the past) the parade will go on! Near a mile long, the parade will start north on California St., then turn west onto Yucaipa Blvd. down to Sixth St. past City Hall. The parade will end by turning left on Sixth St. ending in Oak Valley's parking lot. According to a Lion's Club information site, in the past waning funds almost led to the cancellation of this beloved event. "Now the parade is funded by an anonymous benefactor," Allgower said. Entry forms for this entirely free event are available at the Yucaipa News Mirror and the Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce. Participants can enter until the day of the parade. Cub scout Troop photo by Stacey Parr • Firetruck photo by J.R. Allgower • Other photos by Lynn Warren