The Christmas Parade has traditionally been the happiest day of the year in the seaside city of Seal Beach. The 34th annual parade will commence along Main Street in Old Town Seal Beach at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7.
Leading off the parade line-up this year as grand marshal will be Seth Eaker. The honor of being the Seal Beach Christmas parade grand marshal usually goes to a person who has unselfishly served the community in significant volunteer capacities for some time.
With a widespread spirit of volunteerism throughout the city and many people involved in charity and non-profit work, choosing one overall grand marshal is usually difficult. However, this year, deciding on Eaker was a simple enough task according to the parade organizers.
Since he came to live and work in Seal Beach, Eaker has been a dynamic force, a leader of many “parades” you might say, as he has thrown his energies into a myriad of activities and causes, even daring to run the gauntlet of potential criticism by supporting things in which he believes and not just because his positions are popular with everyone.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. The founder of Blue Marble Consulting, LLC, this year, he was named the city’s Businessman of the Year in Seal Beach. He has served as a member, vice president, president and past president of the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce. While serving on the Chamber’s Board he chairs its Governmental and Public Affairs committee.
According to his many admirers, Eaker “walks the walk.”
When the Chamber holds its annual Thanksgiving Dinner, you’ll find Eaker acting as a chef. When the Seal Beach Victims Fund (for Salon Meritage victims) was organized, Eaker served as a trustee.
He has also served as a member of the Seal Beach Lions Club, has been chairman of the West Orange County Legislative Committee, and served as a secretary on the board of Run Seal Beach.
Run Seal Beach has raised nearly $850,000 that has been plowed back into the city as funding for recreation facilities and programs in the city, the school district and other local recreation programs.
Eaker has also been involved with various other activities in Seal Beach.
Community activism and sense of achievement has been a part of Eaker’s life since his days as a college student when he was part of the National Student Trustee Peer Education Network from 1994-95.
In addition to his interest in business he also was a founding member, Holy Trinity Community Church.
For this week’s Sun, Eaker answered a handful of questions regarding his role in this year’s Seal Beach Christmas parade;
Q: What does the Christmas Parade mean to you?
A: I think that the parade is part of the best that brings Seal Beach together as a small town. It attracts visitors from all over the region to watch our three block parade. It packs our merchants, helps out the retail shops and reminds all of us to not only enjoy the holiday, but to showcase our town.
Q: What role do you think the grand marshal plays?
A: Well, as the honoree of the parade, I guess the person should embody what Seal Beach does—a kind of “can do” seaside California attitude. Not too outrageous, but fun, relaxed and with a heart full of service and love for the town. Plus I get to really start the parade at the front of the line and even cut the ribbon.
Q: Does being grand marshal have special meaning for you?
A: Yes, it really does. I feel very humbled and grateful that Seal Beach has embraced me and that I have found a home here. I have thought about where “home base” is, since I have lived all over the world, and Seal Beach is going to be my home for a long time.
Q: Who is riding with you in the car?
A: My life partner, Anthony Morgan, who is British. We have been together for 12 years and ironically, the whole reason we moved to Seal Beach was for him to go to flight school to be a pilot.
Q: What do you have planned for your entry?
A: Well, thanks to a dear friend, Vince Bodiford, I have an incredible car, which will make people turn and take notice. Plus, there might be some special outfits and activities around the grand marshal that are a bit different from years past. I felt like I needed to make a bit of a splash.
Q: Any special holiday wishes? Yes. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season, merry Christmas and if you are buying gifts for anyone, shop local. All of our merchants can use your help. Also, thank you to the Chamber, the Lions and the city for working so hard on the parade. I look forward to joining the team again next year, doing public relations and as always announcing the parade.
