Tale of the tilted tree

We are in the thick of the holiday season. Thanksgiving was already a week ago, and it seems like everyone forgot about the fall season with the turn of the calendar into December. 

Point Loma and OB know how to show out for the season. Newport Avenue is already decked out with wreaths and the classic “Happy OB Holidays” sign. And how could we forget about the crooked tree? It’s the crown jewel of OB in the month of December. 

The tree has been a tradition in the community for 45 years. While having a few beers at Sunshine Company Saloon, Ron and Rich James of James Gang Graphics came up with the idea for a tree in OB similar to Rockefeller Center’s in New York City. They got in contact with Disneyland’s tree supplier and brought in enough money from T-shirt sales to buy a 70-foot star pine tree. My beers shared at Sunshine are hardly ever that productive. 

Amid all the bright lights is the Ocean Beach Holiday Parade, which gathers the community for a celebration of the holiday season. The parade takes place this Saturday, Dec. 6, and starts at 5:05 p.m. or sunset. 

The parade always has a quirky theme, and this year’s theme, Galactic Holiday Beach Bash, is no exception. If you have to drive, I’d recommend getting there a half hour before to find reasonable street parking. The same goes if you’re traveling on foot. Newport gets packed and you want a good spot to see the galactic Christmas vibes.

See you out there, OB!