Holiday Parade Is Sunday, Rain or Shine

Organizers of the Granada Hills Holiday Parade are literally and figuratively saying, “Don’t rain on my parade.”

The parade has enjoyed favorable weather conditions the last 13 years. But Sunday’s 14th edition may require that spectators, and in some cases participants, bring rain slickers.

Forecasters of WeatherData Inc. are predicting showers Sunday morning, easing by the afternoon. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” said Paula Harness, co-chairwoman of the parade committee and board of directors of the sponsoring Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce.

“But rain or shine, the event will go through as usual,” she said.

This year’s grand marshal is local sports anchorman Fred Roggin of KNBC. Josh Burne from the TV sitcom “Step By Step” was named junior grand marshal.

Other television celebrities participating in the parade are Harley Rodriguez of “Sweet Valley High” and John Corbett, whose credits include “Northern Exposure” and “The Visitor.”

The parade will feature floats made by members of the community to reflect the cinematic theme, “Holiday at the Movies.” Also participating are 10 marching bands and 10 equestrian units.

On the parade list are 150 entries and 4,000 participants.

The parade begins at the Granada Hills Recreation Center, at Chatsworth Street and Petit Avenue.

The route flows west on Chatsworth Street and ends at Zelzah Avenue.

Following the parade, the lighting of the Valley’s largest live Christmas tree will take place at 5 p.m.

For more information, call the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce at (818) 368-3235.