Windy conditions on Harbor Drive challenged balloon rope hands at the Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
By San Diego standards, Monday’s weather for the Holiday Bowl Parade wasn’t ideal — a windy 60 degrees with light spritzes of rain. Balloon-wranglers struggled with face-down inflatables.
But for visitors from Salt Lake City and Evanston, Illinois — home of the competing Utah and Northwestern football teams — it was far comfier than being home.
At parade time, it was raining and in the high 30s in the Chicago suburb. And in Utah? Windy in the mid-20s (but feels like 19 degrees).
The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade — calling itself America’s Largest Balloon Parade — began at the County Administration Center and went south along the North Harbor Drive.
According to Port officials, the parade boasted 29 giant balloons, 10 marching bands and multiple floats and drill teams. Marching bands from Northwestern University and the University of Utah performed.
Utes fans far outnumbered Wildcats faithful, judging from bundled-up crowds wearing team colors.
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Bundled up children keep warm amid temps in the high 50s and low 60s. Photo by Chris Stone
Young family enjoys sights and sounds of the Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Rope-handlers keep track of Cheri the Octopus. Photo by Chris Stone
Marine Band San Diego was among the early units at the Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of Marine Band San Diego are reflected in a sousaphone at Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Utes fans in the parade grandstands await their band and cheerleaders. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of Shawnee Mission North Marching Indians came from Overland Park, Kansas. Photo by Chris Stone
Willie the Wildcat joins Northwestern Cheerleaders on their Holiday Bowl Parade float. Photo by Chris Stone
Northwestern Wildcat Marching Band members keep their heads up on a cool day. Photo by Chris Stone
Utes fans cheer along Holiday Bowl Parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
A member of Danza de los Diablos cracked a whip along parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
A member of Chinelos de Morelos, a Mexican dance troupe, was well-costumed. Photo by Chris Stone
Braxton Muehle, 2, does the Utes sign atop shoulders of alumnus father from Las Vegas. Photo by Chris Stone
Monica Montgomery was one of two San Diego City Council members taking part. Photo by Chris Stone
With purple lipstick, Northwestern fan cheers her team. Photo by Chris Stone
Hog Heaven appears to be sniffing spectators at Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Merlin the Wizard performs his magic along Harbor Drive. Photo by Chris Stone
Nicholas the Nutcracker stays low along the route amid buffeting winds. Photo by Chris Stone
Kids hold out hands for slaps from the balloon handlers. Photo by Chris Stone
Driver of Utah cheerleaders float is nearly submerged with his wheel. Photo by Chris Stone
Cheerleaders perform for Utes fans — who dominated the parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
Wearing Utah red, a spectator records the passing Utes cheerleaders. Photo by Chris Stone
Old Glory passes crowds on Harbor Drive. Photo by Chris Stone
Northwestern cheerleaders keep spirits warm on a relatively chilly day by San Diego Bay. Photo by Chris Stone
Clarinet line of Northwestern University’s Wildcat Marching Band stays sharp. Photo by Chris Stone
Garfield keeps his eyes on the ground as his handlers manage the winds. Photo by Chris Stone
Utah fans stand for the passing of marching band. Photo by Chris Stone
Utes fans near the Star of India show their colors along the parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
Dressed for inclement weather, the World-Famous Lawn Rangers perform. Photo by Chris Stone
Ron Roberts, as grand marshal, makes final Holiday Bowl Parade appearance as a county supervisor. Photo by Chris Stone
Members of Herencia Hispana huddle under the Carter the Sea Turtle balloon to dodge morning raindrops. Photo by Chris Stone
Earl Potts of Red Cross keeps a tight grip on Louie the Blue Whale he feared would blow away. Photo by Chris Stone
Before the parade, the Utah and Northwestern marching bands engage in a drum battle. Photo by Chris Stone
Dennis Friend (left) and Adam Y. wore their 2019 spirit. Photo by Chris Stone
T-Rex puts up with some human support at the Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Hog Heaven appears tipsy thanks to strong winds on Holiday Bowl Parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
San Diego State’s drumline adds a beat to Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Utah band member gives a gloved high-five to Holiday Bowl Parade spectators. Photo by Chris Stone
Utah cheerleaders spin on their march south on Harbor Drive. Photo by Chris Stone
Marine waves along Harbor Drive. Members rode in a convoy of military vehicles. Photo by Chris Stone
A Northwestern fan comes dressed for warmth at the Holiday Bowl Parade. Photo by Chris Stone
Merlin the Wizard gets a hand from a helper. Photo by Chris Stone
Rylee Sorenson, 5, is in the New Year’s Eve spirit with her party horn. Photo by Chris Stone
R2-D2 catches the eye of children along Holiday Bowl Parade route. Photo by Chris Stone
Amid partly cloudy skies, Cheri the Octopus stays close to the ground. Photo by Chris Stone
“The Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade is one of the Port’s signature events, bringing approximately 100,000 spectators, including many from out of state, to the beautiful San Diego bayfront,” said Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Rafael Castellanos. “It’s a wonderful way to activate the waterfront and to add an economic boost to the region.”
County Supervisor Ron Roberts served as the parade’s grand marshal. Holiday Bowl organizers named Roberts the game’s honorary chairman Nov. 26.
“I’m flattered to be the honorary chairman of the 2018 SDCCU Holiday Bowl,” Roberts said. “Over the years this game has always been one of the best during bowl season and I’m sure this year will be fantastic. I can’t wait to be part of the many bowl activities.”
Other politicos waving at spectators were Assemblyman Todd Gloria and San Diego City Council members Mark Kersey (a Northwestern alumnus) and Monica Montgomery. Mayor Kevin Faulconer was absent.
The parade aired live nationally on Fox College Sports and also on Fox Sports San Diego, Fox Sports Prime Ticket in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Hawaii and Fox Sports Southeast in Florida.
— City News Service contributed to this report
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