More than 10,000 people lined Daisy Avenue for the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday.

The parade stretched along Daisy from Willow Street to Pacific Coast Highway.

Parade organizer Maria Norvell said that there were more than 70 entrants this year.

The event was the brainchild of resident Gertrude Whittle who convinced the city to replace railroad tracks along Daisy Avenue with a grass median in 1953.  A “Christmas Village” of displays along the median paved the way for a parade.

Norvell took over the parade in 1988 and has been running the show ever since.  Norvell made her way down Daisy this year, waving at the crowd from a pink convertible. The placard on the side said: “Mom of Christmas Tree Lane.”

Maria Norvell is the “Mom of Christmas Tree Lane.” She has been the organizer of the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade since 1988. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Kate Villa sucks on some Christmas candy while watching the parade in a neighbor’s yard. The display, by Amber Hamilton and Joy Husband, won third place in the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Jonathan Lopez waves as the Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade goes by on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Rudy the Red Nose Rescue Dog jumps through a hoop during the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
The Tiger Cheer and Dance squad dances in the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Amber Hamilton and Joy Husband watch the parade go by. They’ve been participating in Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Parade for 33 years. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
The Cabrillo High School Dance Company was one of the more than 70 entries in the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Bella and Jessica Espinoza wave their Christmas balloons while watching the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
The Cabrillo High School Drill team dances in the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
A couple bundles up in the frigid 60-degree weather while watching the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Adeline Gallardo and Sarah Hicks wave at the parade while sitting in front of one of the Daisy Avenue displays during the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Lincoln Elementary’s Cheer Team performs in the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
A depiction of Santa’s elves is one of the holiday structures along Daisy Avenue. The 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade was held on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Crystal Compton and Tami Hawkes dance while a band goes by during the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
The Jackie Robinson Academy’s cheerleaders dance in the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
A boy from the Willow Street Horse Group moseys down Daisy Avenue in the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.
Harvey Felix gets a ride from his father Rick near one of the Daisy Avenue displays during the 65th Annual Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Photo by Bill Alkofer.