Milpas Holiday Parade Calls For Entries For 60th Anniversary Parade

The Milpas Community Association proudly announces the 60th Annual Milpas Holiday Parade. The parade rolls down Milpas Saturday, December 14th at 5:00 PM.

This year marks a return of the parade to night time. “The community has been asking for a night parade,” said MCA President Alan Bleecker. “And we’re answering, loud and clear. We’ll have the holiday lights up on Milpas to help create some serious holiday magic with the parade.”

This year’s parade theme, A Magical Night On Milpas, clearly reflects that community dream. The parade’s Grand Marshal will be Monique Limon, Santa Barbara Unified School District Board of Education.

“The parade focuses on youth, on celebrating all the great things our kids do,” said Executive Director Sharon Byrne. “We welcome dance teams, marching bands, kids on bikes, marshal arts teams…if you’ve got a great youth team, and want to show your stuff, then this is the parade for you! Everyone loves to see the wonderful performances the kids put on.”

This year, several marching bands are expected to perform on Milpas, along with dance teams like Santa Barbara Dance Institute. A race car driven by 17 year-old Dos Pueblos student Luke Boles will also be in the parade, with its focus on cars as well.

“The classic cars are always a hit, especially with the kids,” says MCA Vice President Bea Molina. “Their eyes light up like saucers when they see these amazing machines, the love that goes into restoring them, and the pride of driving them down Milpas. The car enthusiasts always put on a great show.”

Officials have fun riding in classic autos provided by Milpas Motors for the event. Some, like Sheriff Bill Brown, also put special autos into the event, like the Dare car and Sheriff’s Paddy Wagon.

The deadline for entries is December 6th at 5 PM. Entry forms can be submitted online at http://www.mcasb.org/.