Thee that usually traveled down Ventura Boulevard on an early Sunday evening in early December is officially being canceled—again, but this year there may be an alternative community event in Studio City to make up for it.
Studio City Residents Association President Alan Dymond told Studio City Patch on Wednesday that their board just decided that the small community parade was just too much to handle.
“We simply don’t have the manpower to do it,” Dymond said. “We talked to a few people about taking it over, but they looked at the organizing, and scheduling and fundraising and permits needed and it was just too much to do.”
The parade usually incorporated cars from local businesses, horse teams, local school bands and attracted about 2,500 people. It was usually held in early December so as to avoid conflict with the Hollywood Christmas Parade held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and it included for some years a Tree and Menorah Lighting Festival and Kwanza presentation. The parade stretched from Whitsett to Laurel Canyon.
The small volunteer parade has been on-again, off-again over the years, skipping in 2006 and missing last year due to lack of volunteers. The Studio City Chamber of Commerce did some overseeing in the past, but it has recently been put on by the Studio City Residents Association.
The last parade was held in 2009 and for the first time awards were given to the floats and displays. Local resident Ed Begley Jr. served as Grand Marshall and other attendees included City Controller Wendy Greuel; Assembly member Mike Feuer; LAUSD Board of Education member Tamar Galatzan; Nicole Johnson, Miss California USA; Miss Studio City; Miss Sherman Oaks and KCBS/KCAL Meteorologist Josh Rubenstein.
As an alternative to the parade, Dymond said the SCRA is planning something off the street, but something for the entire community. Plans are in the works.
