December 8, 2005

Embrace the magic

San Jose Holiday Parade a thrill for all ages

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis and Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writers

Parade-goers lined downtown streets on Sunday, eager to glimpse the spectacular balloons, floats and marching bands of the 2005 San Jose Holiday Parade. Living up to its theme, “Embrace the Magic,” the 24th annual parade delighted young and old with inspired presentations ranging from Harry Potter to the American Ice Theatre.

San Jose State University Spartan Marching Band entertained on the chilly morning. Photo by Jeanne Lewis

With trumpets blaring and flags waving, local middle and high school marching bands and color guards added a festive air. Marching with precision and pride, their hard work paid off in their magnificent sound and the joy they spread.

And what a procession it was! No wonder the parade has been named “One of the Top 25 Parades in America” by the International Festival and Events Association and USA Today.

San Jose residents knew about it long before it was officially declared one of the best. It began in 1981 when Santa Claus arrived for the opening of Christmas in the Park along with a couple of fire engines and city of San Jose vehicles.

The next year it included the San Jose State University Spartan Marching Band, a couple of floats and children’s groups. In 1987, KNTV began to broadcast the parade throughout the Bay Area and a new tradition was born.

Now, the San Jose Holiday Parade lasts two hours and boasts 100,000 spectators. And that’s not counting the numerous floats, marching bands, groups and city officials who participate annually.

Ballet San Jose of Silicon Valley dressed in “Nutcracker” costumes captivated the crowd. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert

Children squealed with excitement as enormous helium balloons featuring characters like Kermit the Frog, D.W. on Skates and Hello Kitty sailed overhead, while Chinese dragons and sword-fighting pirates leapt before them.

Local dance troupes and an array of cultural dancers also captivated the crowd. Irish dancers wearing traditional dress and curly tresses displayed intricate high stepping. With pageantry and delicate beauty, the Falun Dafa and La Kalle floats complemented Asian cultural dancers dressed in jeweled-toned kimonos and fan dancers adorned in spring blossoms. Mexican dancers twirled in colorful skirts, entertaining onlookers while being serenaded by mariachi.

From trains to trolleys, and tractors to sleek automobiles, various modes of transportation delighted the audience, along with the special guests they were carrying. Miss USA 2005 Chelsea Cooley, Charlie Brown and Snoopy rode in style, smiling and waving from sleek Thunderbirds. Convoys of PT Cruisers sporting holiday décor and 12 Geek Squad black-and-white Volkswagens named after Santa’s reindeer paraded in turn, in sharp contrast to classic Model T Fords and a Wells Fargo horse-drawn stagecoach. However, it was Santa’s red sleigh that truly caught everyone’s eye.

At long last, Santa Claus came into view. Up on a rooftop, click, click, click … in a sleigh pulled by 12 reindeer … came Ol’ Saint Nick. The float depicting Santa’s sleigh resting upon a snow-covered rooftop was a dream come true for children of all ages, capturing the vision of childhood songs and bringing a close to a “magical” parade.

“We love a parade,” said Councilmembers Nancy Pyle, Judy Chirco and Forrest Williams as they rode in style in a San Francisco Cable Car. Photo by Jeanne Lewis	Here’s a sight you don’t see every day: Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer makes his way down Market Street. Photo by Jeanne Lewis
Graceful dancers from Falun Dafa, the Ancient Practice for Mind and Body, delighted onlookers. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert	Santa Clara County Horseman’s Association supplied the equines to the delight of the kids and adults who attended. Photo by Jeanne Lewis