Annual Seal Beach Christmas Parade is Dec. 5

On Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., the Seal Beach Christmas Parade will begin its stately, yet vibrant journey down Main Street from Ocean to Pacific Coast Highway under the direction of parade chairman  Scott Newton.

With more than 110 entries, including, of course, Santa Claus, it has never been a better year to really get into the theme.

For the second time, under the direction of Deb Machen, past Chamber of Commerce president, and the announcer team of the parade, all entries will be judged on their best use of the theme—“Seal Beach Winter Wonderland.”

Categories include Best of Show (the group that brings over-the-top holiday spirit.)

Other catagories include Judge’s Choice (best presentation of theme in performance or display), People’s Choice (most endearing or adorable presentation of the theme), Most Festive (best visual and creative holiday concept of the theme) and Most Humorous (a blend of humor, style and theme which may be whimsical, funny or just outrageous).

Judges will be scattered along both sides of the route from Ocean Avenue to Pacific Coast Highway, so entries will want to perform continuously from start to finish.

All entries have been encouraged to decorate and dress around the theme—keeping in mind there is only one Santa Claus and any inclusion of a “traditional” Santa is not allowed.

Examples of components of the theme might be lots of white as a dominant color, winter related shapes such as snowflakes, special plants or symbols of winter such as festive holly or mulled cider.

Last years winners included: Job’s Daughters – Bethel 161, Bay Hardware, Anytime Fitness, Girl Scouts of Seal Beach and Schooner at Sunset.

Winning entries will be notified the following week and recognized at Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m.

Four representatives from each winning group may attend the breakfast as the guests and honorees of the parade.

Members of the parade committee wished all of the participants the best for the Seal Beach Christmas Parade and also the opportunity to win.

To make a comment on this story at the Sun Newspapers’ website, go to www.sunnews.org. Email your memories of past Seal Beach Christmas Parades to the Sun Newspapers at editor@sunnews.org.