Ten-year-old Gabriella Ceravolo wished for “peace in the world and for people not to fight.” San Diego Zoo tour guide Robb Daly, showing off Beauford, his 10-year-old St. Bernard, hoped the world could save endangered species.
Along Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, two dozen colorfully attired spectators at the 42nd annual OB Holiday Parade shared their Christmas wishes for the world.
Interviewed as dusk fell, the wishes ranged from everyone finding their own happiness to “more games and more joy and more fun.”
The OB Holiday Parade was filled with lights and enthusiasm. Photo by Chris Stone 
A shark moves toward the ocean on Newport Avenue. Photo by Chris Stone 
A boy makes bubbles as he rides down Newport Avenue in OB. Photo by Chris Stone 
Laughter and cheers filled the sidewalks along the parade route. Photo by Chris Stone 
Mr. Grinch make an appearance in the parade. Photo by Chris Stone 
The OB Holiday Parade was filled with lights and enthusiasm. Photo by Chris Stone 
Woodies rolled down Newport Avenue in the annual parade. Photo by Chris Stone 
A marching band in the OB Holiday Parade. Photo by Chris Stone 
The OB Holiday Parade was filled with lights and enthusiasm. Photo by Chris Stone 
A very young cheerleader marches in the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade. Photo by Chris Stone 
Artificial snow creates a winter atmosphere along parade route. Photo by Chris Stone 
Dogs also were in festive attire at OB parade. Photo by Chris Stone 
San Diego City Council President Jennifer Campbell waves to the crowd. Photo by Chris Stone 
Friends of the OB Library wave to the crowd. Photo by Chris Stone 
The parade began with folks on two wheels. Photo by Chris Stone 
Olof got an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Photo by Chris Stone 
The OB Holiday Parade was filled with lights and enthusiasm. Photo by Chris Stone 
Bike riders perform for parade spectators. Photo by Chris Stone 
Yoda in Christmas attire joins the OB parade. Photo by Chris Stone 
A boy shows his martial arts skills on the parade route. Photo by Chris Stone 
A man decorated with holiday toys gets attention. Photo by Chris Stone 
The OB Holiday Parade was filled with lights and enthusiasm. Photo by Chris Stone 
A dancer performs in the OB Holiday Parade 2021. Photo by Chris Stone 
A young girl sports a Rudolph red nose. Photo by Chris Stone 
The OB Holiday Parade was filled with lights and enthusiasm. Photo by Chris Stone
But a recurring theme was the pandemic — which forced OB Town Council organizers to hold a “reverse parade” last year at Dog Beach, where parade units were stationary and spectators drove by them.
“No more COVID” was the global hope of Dr. Jennifer Campbell, the San Diego City Council president whose district includes Ocean Beach. Wearing a mask, she greeted parade-goers from a convertible.
“That everybody gets vaccinated” was the dream of county sheriff candidate David Myers, walking the parade route.
Said Stacey Hoffmayer of Point Loma, an emergency room nurse: “I hope there’s an end to this pandemic soon.”
And Santa-suiters Jennifer Crowley and James Wasser of Clairemont: “That COVID goes away forever” (Jennifer) “and everyone gets vaccinated and gets your booster shot” (James).
Thousands lined the parade route of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard west on Newport Avenue and turning near the beach onto Abbott Street under the gaze of the latest leaning conifer.
Indeed, the parade’s theme was: “Rockin’ Around the Crooked Tree.”
Still to come: the 2021 Holiday Auction and Party at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at The Holding Company, 5046 Newport Ave, which benefits the OB Town Council’s food and toy drive and other projects.
And as Charlie Broussard, an OB native now living in North Park, said beneath her multicolored head of hair: “That everyone find their own happiness. And share it with everyone they love.”