SECOND ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE SET FOR SUNDAY.

Byline: Heather MacDonald Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - The second annual Canyon Country Holiday Parade will kick off the holiday season Sunday with floats, bands and lots of cheer.

The Santa Clarita City Council agreed Tuesday to use $12,000 from its contingency fund to close several Canyon Country streets and have Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies patrol the area.

``It'll be a fun, no-stress kickoff to the holiday season,'' said Duane Harte, a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Parade Committee, which organized the event.

At 5:30 p.m., the parade will step off on Soledad Canyon Road at Whites Canyon Road behind the Canyon Country Plaza. It will turn south on Vilna Avenue, west on Mandan Street and end at Luther Drive behind the Soledad Canyon Entertainment Center, city officials said.

``The parade is a great way to celebrate the season,'' said Councilman Bob Kellar.

The Saugus and Canyon high school bands are expected to march in the parade - and play afterward at the Route 66 Classic Grill, 18730 Soledad Canyon Road.

Organizers hope the route will cause fewer problems than last year, when dozens of business owners complained that the parade prevented customers from shopping during the busy holiday season.

``We hope there is more enjoyment than problems this year,'' Harte said.