SEAL BEACH, Calif.—Stretching along Main Street, thousands gathered Dec. 3 to view an array of lights, decorated cars, and those dressed in Christmas themed outfits while watching the 44th Annual Seal Beach Christmas Parade.
Produced by the Seal Beach Lions Club, the theme for this year’s parade was “Christmas Under the Sea.” True to form, cars in the parade were decorated with a mix of both Christmas and ocean themes, while other participants carried elaborate costumes reminiscent of life under the sea.
“This started off over 40 years ago, and now there are nearly more than 2,700 people that are active in the parade with most of them being kids,” Seal Beach Lions Club Parade Chairman Scott Newton told The Epoch Times. “It’s one of those things that brings out Seal Beach residents to a single location, and it’s wonderful to see everyone walking by greeting and waving at each other.”
The parade traces its roots back to 1979 when Tom Rose, a local businessman, came up with the idea to encourage people to shop on Main Street for the holidays.
Today, the parade has grown to nearly 200 volunteers from the Seal Beach Lions Club and sponsors including G&M Oil Company Inc., Sun Newspapers, Water Safe Swim School and the City of Seal Beach.
Some watchers sought out good viewing spots hours beforehand, even braving a rainstorm.
“It’s a great family centered event that not only brings in people from town, but all over to celebrate the holidays,” Newton said.
