The Christmas Tree Lane Parade is not just any holiday parade; it is a Long Beach tradition, an event for making new holiday memories, continuing community traditions and keeping leaders connected.   On Saturday, December 13th the parade marched down Daisy Lane, through the Wrigley neighborhood for its 55th year. For many families it is the kick of to their holiday celebration. The parade would not be the celebration it is without the hard work from so many organizations and individuals. This event is truly powered by community leaders.

Throughout the year Wrigley Alliance Neighborhood Association (WANA) members paint, build and repair the miniature displays that are placed on the medians of Daisy Avenue.  WANA a 501(c)(3) raises money to keep this event funded.

The Wrigley Association organizes the event and volunteers.  They also host the Community Hospitably Tent, where community leaders, political elects and community members can come together for a refreshments and shelter from the cool.

The 7th District Council office receives and processes the parade entries. The council office reported that this year’s entries were down from previous years.  In the past, many of the entries came from Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), but due to budget cuts many LBUSD sponsored organizations were unable to participate.

This year Leadership Long Beach (LLB), an organization that brings principled leaders from all over the city, began its own tradition.  LLB hosted a Pre-Parade gathering, at the home of 7th District Council member Tonia Reyes Uranga, an LLB Alumni. LLB Alumni, and current class members gathered for Chicken Pozoli, Pan Dulce and hot holiday drinks. After networking and catching up with each other they walked over to view the parade together.  Leadership Long Beach is doing its part to keep leaders connected through out the city and creating holiday memories.  For many of the Alumni, it was their first Christmas Tree Lane Parade experience.

Thank you to the many community leaders and political elects that took the time to plan, work and participate in the event and for contributing to the holiday memories of the community.

Extra note: One of my favorite holiday memories is watching the parade from the shoulders of my father. My newest Christmas Tree Lane memory is my three-year old singing, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” the entire parade route.
 


LLB Alumni gather before parade



LLB Alumni



Councilmember Reyes Uranga on the parade route



Display on parade route