CITY TO HONOR ITS HISTORY WITH PARADE AND CARNIVAL.

Byline: Jennifer Hamm Staff Writer

Glendale's biggest celebration will kick off Saturday with a parade down Brand Boulevard.

The Days of Verdugo festival honors the city's history with an annual parade and four-day carnival.

``This is the only parade that's left in Glendale,'' said Carvel Gay, parade chairman. ``It brings a lot of civic pride because it honors our Spanish heritage.''

More than 130 entries including traditional folklorico groups, marching bands, clowns and local celebrities will march down Brand Boulevard. Dodger coach Manny Mota and Supervisor Michael Antonovich top the list of dignitaries.

The event is sponsored by the Glendale Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Some 30,000 spectators are expected to line Brand Boulevard between Doran and Harvard streets for the 4 p.m. parade. To get a prime spot on the sidewalk, paradegoers are encouraged to arrive at 3 p.m.

The 52nd annual festival continues Oct. 14 when the carnival begins. The festival is modeled after the fiestas and rodeos that were held by the Verdugos, the first family of settlers in the area that ultimately became Glendale.

A four-day carnival at Verdugo Park will feature more than 30 rides, bingo and Saturday night entertainment, including The Rattlers, a classic rock band.

Discount carnival ride tickets are available until Friday. The carnival costs $3 and children under 5 years old are free. On Saturday, the carnival will cost $4 to cover entertainment.

The money raised goes to support local charities such as Operation Santa Claus, a local effort to give presents to needy families in the Glendale area.

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