Los Gatos 'Children's Christmas and Holidays' Parade Set For Saturday

The 57th Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown Los Gatos, corner Almedra Avenue and No. Santa Cruz Avenue.

Hosted by Los Gatos Lions Club and the Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation Department, annual processional travels down North Santa Cruz Avenue and Main Street, rain or shine.

As last year, there are almost 250 entries ready to march and the event attracts nearly 20,000 people annually, with about 4,000 participants and an attendance of about 15,000.

Judging the event will be members of the Pacific Coast Judges Association, who will evaluate the high-caliber entries that include bands, equestrians, and other exciting performers.

The parade chairman this year is Los Gatos Lion Rick Miller.

Serving as grand marshal is Los Gatos resident, former town mayor/councilman and current Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman, selected after being nominated due to his many years of service to youth in the South Bay.

The parade's first entry is made up of the Los Gatos Youth Citizens of the Year, four local teens who were honored the morning of Sept. 28 at Los Gatos High School with the Youth Citizen of the Year Award.

The honor was presented by the Los Gatos Youth Park Inc. organization. The honorees are Jack Belshe, Cole Hammers, Ashlee Kupor and Matthew Smith.

Also marching in the parade this year is the new Lions Club mascot "Leo." He will be introduced for the first time to the community and will appear at Lions Club events, said Los Gatos Lion and parade volunteer Carol Musser.

At the end of the parade you'll find Santa Claus, who will give out lots of smiles and hand waves and even hugs in holiday cheer.

Details: parade@lgsrecreation.org.

ALSO ON LOS GATOS PATCH:

• 2013 Los Gatos Parade: Roster
  
• 2013 Los Gatos Parade: Map
  
• 2013 Los Gatos Parade: Street Closures
  
• Los Gatos 2013 Holiday Event Guide
• Intero Los Gatos Offers Parade Parking to Help Charities
• Los Gatos King's Court Festival of Trees Kicks Off Saturday
• Hop On Board VTA’s 'Holly Trolley' For Holiday Fun!