HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS PARADE A SHOWSTOPPER.Byline: RACHEL URANGA Staff Writer Tens of thousands of revelers braved the chilly night air Sunday to watch Tinseltown sparkle with stars and holiday cheer at the 75th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade The Hollywood Christmas Parade took place every year for 75 years on the weekend after Thanksgiving in the Hollywood community in Los Angeles, California, United States. The parade's 3. . Along palm-lined streets on Hollywood and Sunset boulevards, spectators wrapped in scarves and thick jackets waved on dozens of floats, marching bands and antique cars carrying stars like actor Edward James Olmos Edward James Olmos (born February 24, 1947) is an Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated American actor and director. Some of his most memorable roles were Lt. Martin Castillo in Miami Vice, Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver and Admiral William Adama in the , ``Dancing with the Stars'' contestant Joey Lawrence
Joseph "Joey" Lawrence (born Joseph Lawrence Mignogna, Jr. on April 20, 1976) is an American actor. and comedian George Lopez
George C. Lopez (born April 23, 1961) is an American comedian and actor. He runs and produces his own show called George Lopez. , this year's grand marshal Grand Marshal is a ceremonial, military, or political office of very high rank. The term has its origins with the word "Marshal" with the first usage of the term "Grand Marshal" as a ceremonial title for certain religious orders. . As only Hollywood could deliver, the floats were elaborate and ranged from a giant, eight-spoked Buddhist dharma wheel from the Chinese spiritual group Falun Gong Falun Gong or Falun Dafa Controversial spiritual movement combining healthful exercises with meditation for the purpose of “moving to higher levels.” Its teachings draw from Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and the Western New Age movement. to a blue and yellow light bulb studded entry from Best Buy. ``This parade is great,'' said Regis Philbin, the honorary grand marshal, who said he remembered attending the Christmas parade back when he was a stagehand stage·hand n. A worker who shifts scenery, adjusts lighting, and performs other tasks required in a theatrical production. stagehand Noun a person who sets the stage and moves props in a theatre at a nearby television station. ``It ushers in the Christmas season.'' Crowds lined the parade route, at times five or six people deep, with children sitting on the shoulders of parents and relatives and others craning their necks to get a glimpse of miniature ponies, up-and-coming celebrities and even their own relatives. ``This is a nice family event,'' said Heath Hardy, sitting along Hollywood Boulevard with his wife and four children and a video camera to capture his 11-year-old daughter who marched in one of the bands. His daughter Sharhonda laughed and danced as Michael Jackson's ``Don't Stop `Til You Get Enough'' blared from a float. Some of the night's biggest attractions were the celebrities, from grand marshal Lopez to wrestler Hulk Hogan. ``My favorite is George Lopez,'' declared Kevin Polanco, a 7-year-old who sipped hot chocolate. A favorite, Lopez had children giggling and adults cheering as he challenged onlookers on opposite sides of the parade route to cheer louder than the other side. ``With everything that goes on in this world, it's the one thing that we can just all come to and get along,'' said Carlos Salazar, a 35-year-old electrician who came with his two children and wife. ``In Los Angeles there are some areas that are pretty rough and here people come from all parts of Los Angeles and everyone is just having a good time.'' Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, last year's grand marshal, said he fondly remembered attending the parade as a child with his mother and aunt. ``This has always been a very special parade. It's a great way to start the holidays,'' Villaraigosa said. With Thanksgiving behind and the holidays ahead, everyone along the parade route -- from Los Angeles Police Department "LAPD" and "L.A.P.D." redirect here. For other uses, see LAPD (disambiguation).  This article or section is written like an . Chief William Bratton to a man selling $5 Santa hats -- said they had a special holiday wish. Bratton said one day without crime would suit him and the hat seller Steve Hart said he'd be content with an Aston Martin DB9. Some wishes were a lot simpler. ``I wish I could just see my mom,'' said Aminta Polanco, a 40-year-old Honduran immigrant from Canoga Park, whose work visa has not allowed her to return home for more than a decade. ``But this gives Christmas to the children.'' rachel.uranga(at)dailynews.com (818) 713-3741 CAPTION(S): 6 photos Photo: (1 -- color) Hulk Hogan's convertible is approached by fans as he and his family make their way down Hollywood Boulevard during the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday. (2 -- 5) Top, the U.S. Marine Corps Marching Band from Twentynine Palms keeps in step during the Hollywood Christmas Parade on Sunday. Above, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa enjoys the parade with his kids. Right, Bob the Tomato Bob the Tomato is a computer-animated character in the animated series VeggieTales by Big Idea Productions. Bob and co-star, Larry the Cucumber, are the frontveggies for the series. and Larry the Cucumber Larry the Cucumber is a green cucumber character in the animated series, VeggieTales, by Big Idea Productions. Larry and co-star, Bob the Tomato, are the frontveggies for the series. of Veggie Tales float above the crowd. Left, J. Alexander, from TV show ``America's Next Top Model “ANTM” redirects here. For the Australian series, see Australia's Next Top Model. America's Next Top Model (often shortened to Top Model or abbreviated as ANTM ,'' makes his way along the route. John Lazar/Staff Photographer |
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