2007 parade winners:
- First Place is awarded to: The Boys & Girls Club of Vista
- Second Place is awarded to: Girl Scout Troop 4015
- Third Place is awarded to: Awana
- Honorable Mention goes to: Cub Scout Pack 787
The Vista Christmas Parade will again include an aerial fly-over, marching bands and Santa Claus at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007. The parade theme is "All Aboard the Vista Express," in honor of debut of the Sprinter commuter train in Vista and North County in late December.
In fact, the Sprinter will be on display at the Vista Village Station from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., before during and after the parade. Parade-goers are invited to stop over to see and climb aboard the new train before it starts running at its grand opening day Dec. 28.
The parade is organized by the Chamber with major funding from the City of Vista.
The parade will include about 70 entries, including six marching bands. Nearly 10,000 spectators are expected. This year’s grand marshal is Rod Groenewald, longtime director of the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum, located in Vista.
The parade route will be the same as recent years, starting at the corner of Pala Vista Drive and South Santa Fe Avenue, proceeding north on Santa Fe to Main Street, turning right to Citrus Avenue, right on Citrus and ending at Broadway.
After the parade, from approximately 2:30 to 5 p.m., Krikorian Theatres will sponsor free pictures with Santa Claus, plus a play area with 10 tons of snow in front of the theaters.
Click here for more details on other WinterFest events or call 760-726-1122.
A highlight of the parade will be a three-plane aerial fly-over by the Eagle Flight Unit of the Air Force Aero Club from March Air Reserve Base. The unit will make three fly-overs beginning at 1:30 p.m., with the final fly-over ending in a "fan break." The Eagle Flight Unit pilots are all combat veterans who will be flying 1950s vintage training planes.
THANKS to Steve Hasty of Advanced Entertainment and David Daubenspeck of North Island Credit Union for serving as MC's at the two announcing stations. Thanks also to Parade Committee Chairman Jim Fraker, Councilman Frank Lopez and many other volunteers who help produce this major event.
PICTURES WITH SANTA - After the parade, from approximately 2:30 to 5 p.m., Krikorian Theatres will sponsor free pictures with Santa Claus, plus a play area with 10 tons of snow at
25 Main Street.
Map of parade route and prime viewing area for SPECTATORS (PDF file). DIRECTIONS FOR SPECTATORS: From Highway 78, exit at Vista Village Drive, turn north about one-half mile and park at Vista Village Center on your right or in the vacant lot at corner of Vista Village Drive and Indiana Avenue.
Map of check-in area and parade route for parade PARTICIPANTS (PDF file). DIRECTIONS FOR PARADE PARTICIPANTS: Check in at the corner of Guajome Street and Mercantile Avenue between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Directions from Highway 78: exit at Vista Village Drive, turn north about one-half mile, turn right at S. Santa Fe, proceed about half mile, turn right at Guajome, turn left at first street, which is Mercantile. Pull ahead to check-in tent.
Thousands turn out for Christmas Parade - 2006 news story * Photos
