Editor’s note: This story was updated Friday morning when police announced earlier closing times for some streets.
The annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, but you should expect a crush of traffic and some street closures starting hours earlier.
- Starting at 2 p.m., Long Beach police say they’ll close Livingston Avenue from Ocean Boulevard to Second Street. The stretch will be used as a staging area for people and floats in the parade.
- At 2 p.m., the first block (up to the alleyways) of all the north-south streets that connect to Second Street will be closed between Quincy and Claremont avenues.
- And at 4 p.m., Second Street itself will be shut down from Livingston Drive to Bay Shore Avenue.
- All the roads to reopen by 11 p.m.
The LBPD offered a few more safety tips.
Parking will be tight, so they recommended attendees use public transportation or leave plenty of time to find parking.
“All parking laws will be strictly enforced and illegally parked vehicles will be subject to tow,” police said.
They also warned parade-goers there are rules against reserving space along the route too early. Police said they may confiscate any personal items like chairs or blankets left along the parade route before 5 p.m. (If your items are taken, they can be picked up at the Bay Shore Library after the parade.)
Even though the atmosphere will be merry, police also reminded revelers about a few specific things that are banned:
- Public consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Anyone found drinking on sidewalks or roadways can be arrested or cited.
- Using Silly String is also forbidden along the parade route, and anyone spraying it could be cited for littering.
- Street vendors without proper business licensing can also be cited, arrested or have their wares confiscated.
The weather forecast also calls for rain, but organizers say the parade will go on.
More information about he parade is available at belmontshore.org/event.
