In preparation for this weekend’s annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) has released a number of tips to make sure the event goes smoothly and safely.

    • Screen Shot 2014-12-02 at 10.17.20 AMPrior to the parade, which begins at 6PM Saturday, the LBPD recommends attendees allow adequate time to find legal parking and consider using public transportation. All parking laws will be strictly enforced, and illegally parked vehicles will be subject to tow, police said.
    • Attendees may also not reserve sidewalk areas and center medians until 5PM Saturday. “During previous parades, the placement of personal items along the parade route has created pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic issues, in addition to causing problems for businesses,” the LBPD said in a statement. “In an effort to prevent any collisions or injuries and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, personal property found along the parade route prior to street closures may be confiscated at the direction of LBPD and taken to the Bay Shore Library for pick-up after the event.”
    • The LBPD also reminds guests that the law strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol on public property. Underage drinking is also illegal.
    • Street vendors must have a business license to sell items, or they will be subject to citation or arrest and may have their property confiscated.
    • Silly string is not allowed, and violators may be cited for littering.
    • Parade goers are also advised to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police officer or by calling 911.

The following streets will be affected by street closures:

    • Livingston Avenue will be closed from Ocean to 2nd St. at 2PM for staging parade participants
    • At 4PM, all north/south streets from Quincy to Claremont Avenues will be closed up to the immediate alleyways that run parallel to 2nd St. on both the south and north sides
    • Second Street will be closed from Livingston to Bay Shore Ave. at 5PM
    • The LBPD anticipates all roads will reopen by 11PM