Expected to draw 2,500 people, the 38th annual parade actually had a crowd estimated at 6,000, according to a spokesman for the organizing Ocean Beach Town Council. The event’s theme “California Dreamin’ in the Season of Love.” A full moon watched from the northeast as temperatures hovered in the comfy upper 60s.
“Something magical about this” place, said the 58-year-old going by Jeff-Free, with his father’s accordion and an ukulele resting nearby.
”I’m trying to spread the love,” he said between tunes on his harmonica. “When you give it out, you get it back.”
One hundred units (the maximum) in a 90-minute parade proceeded west on Newport Avenue toward yet another leaning OB Holiday Tree (but this year’s version tilted right, not left, as viewed from town).
At the Ocean Beach Hotel — across from the beach — balconies of the three-story landmark were filled with revelers. Even before the event began, renters were making reservations for the 2018 parade.
Spectators savor the atmosphere at the Ocean Beach holiday parade. Photo by Chris Stone
The usual civic lights made an appearance — San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Shelley Zimmerman in her last OB parade as police chief, Assemblyman Todd Gloria, Councilwoman Lorie Zapf.
San Diego County sheriff candidate Dave Myers, a Democrat, walked. So did Marcia Nordstrom, a Republican hopeful for the county Board of Supervisors.
But the real stars were the Obeceans — driving woodies and DeLoreans, playing in rock bands aboard floats, marching as Republicans or Democrats or promoting causes (clean climate, no Target in OB, expand the OB library).
Seven or eight Ocean Beach Town Council volunteers did announcing duties at intervals along the parade route. About 60 people volunteered at the parade.
Santa Claus — OB Town Council Vice President Marcus Turner with a black beard and kids in tow — rode atop a final float, courtesy of San Diego lifeguards, leaving hundreds to find their way back to cars or warm and well-lit bars.
Daremo, 48, with his pitbull-corgi mix (perhaps) Rocco shared a public-health message near the beach, awaiting the parade. Photo by Ken Stone
Kentucky Gallahue of Point Loma brought his Goldendoodle Derby, a surf dog, to the OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
Red-jacketed Elite security workers were omnipresent at the OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
Skateboards helped family members get to the parade for a prime viewing location. Photo by Ken Stone
Youngsters helped sell mistletoe along Newport Avenue before the OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
A toy fox terrier got TLC and plenty of attention along the parade route. Photo by Ken Stone
The Ocean Beach Hotel was decked out for the holidays. Photo by Ken Stone
Steve and Kelly Agius of Ontario, Canada, sold sage and other items under the Gypsy Halos brand. Photo by Ken Stone
Living out of their 1989 Dodge van camper, Steve and Kelly Agius of Ontario, Canada, sold sage and other items. Photo by Ken Stone
Sunset heralds the beginning of the OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
Former Utah residents (now Obecians) Sharon and Chris Hoopiiaina showed their OB pride at the Christmas tree. Photo by Ken Stone
From left, Australian visitors Anthony, Lincoln and Caroline Favelle enjoyed the parade with Sherry Stone (front) and fellow antler-wearer Mimi McPherson. Photo by Ken Stone
Sidewalk in front of The Holding Company concert venue was crowded with parade-watchers. Photo by Ken Stone
A member of the Point Loma Republican Women Federated showed the colors. Photo by Ken Stone
Wildly painted van urged expansion of the Ocean Beach Library. Photo by Ken Stone
Bubble-shooting parader excited children along the Newport Avenue route. Photo by Ken Stone
Children pack a float in OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
OB Pause float featured a peace-loving airplane. Photo by Ken Stone
OB Town Council announcers (from left) Melyssa “Mel” Roark, Keith Fink and Trudy Levinson operated from USA Hostels near the Happy OB Holidays sign. Photo by Ken Stone
The head of the Target dog was atop a float opposing a store in Ocean Beach. Photo by Ken Stone
JJH Construction’s float was accompanied by a well-suited gentleman. Photo by Ken Stone
A float notes California 12, prison inmates regarded by the California Innocence Project as not guilty. Photo by Ken Stone
Hula hoops and high-steppers entertain thousands at OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
Children dance on Newport Avenue as OB Holiday Parade passes by. Photo by Ken Stone
Mermaids (and merman) rode a float in the OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
Spectators, including the littlest, hung in there till the end of the 90-minute OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Ken Stone
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department family members rode in an engine near the end. Photo by Ken Stone
Spectators after the OB Holiday Parade were still in festive spirit. Photo by Ken Stone
Ocean Beach parade spectators wore a variety of holiday hats and clothing. Photo by Chris Stone
Women perform in the Sleighin Alive float in the Ocean Beach parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Spectators savor the atmosphere at the Ocean Beach holiday parade. Photo by Chris Stone
A man in a Yeti costume entertains the crowd in Ocean Beach. Photo by Chris Stone
A young girl drives a small car for SoCal Racers Against Drugs. Photo by Chris Stone
Alan James creates giant bubbles to the delight of the crowd along Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. Photo by Chris Stone
Spiderman and Santa’s helper travel down Newport Avenue on a Harley Davidson. Photo by Chris Stone
OB Pause’s colorful airplane float passes by the OB Christmas tree. Photo by Chris Stone
A young girl shows her delight as the Ocean Beach holiday parade passes. Photo by Chris Stone
Young Girl Scouts hold hands as they march in the Ocean Beach holiday parade. Photo by Chris Stone
A man wearing leotards and vines provides local color in the parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Parade participants dressed as bees for the San Diego Honey Company. Photo by Chris Stone
A child enjoys his ride down Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach during the parade. Photo by Chris Stone
People with lit up hula hoops entertain the crowds along the parade route in Ocean Beach. Photo by Chris Stone
Two children wave from a float going down Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. Photo by Chris Stone
A little girl gets cozy along the parade route in Ocean Beach. Photo by Chris Stone
Two young girls visit with a dog in its holiday best before the Ocean Beach parade. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer waves to the crowds along the Ocean Beach parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
Councilwoman Lorie Zapf was among the officials who joined the Ocean Beach parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Boys riding bicycles decorated with colored lights travel down Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach. Photo by Chris Stone
Newport Avenue was cleared and spectators found spots along the parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
Two Santa fans get ready along the parade route in Ocean Beach. Photo by Chris Stone
Surf is up in the Ocean Beach annual holiday parade. Photo by Chris Stone
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