Keystone Kops, Patio Chair Drill Team among familiar favorites as Balboa Island Parade resumes

The 27th Balboa Island Parade returned along Marine Avenue Sunday with a Western theme and a pared-down number of exuberant entrants after a two-year pause due to pandemic restrictions.

“Island Rodeo — Boots, Chaps and Cowboy Hats,” was the theme for this year’s parade, which is sponsored annually by the Balboa Island Improvement Assn.

“Two years ago, 4,000 attended with 120 entries, so this year we cut it down to 89 entries as it was getting too big,“ said Jack Callahan, the parade chairman. “The key was that we wanted it more community-oriented, more family, more geared to the island.”

The hometown, old-fashioned parade is ever evolving to keep the excitement flowing with innovative themes and a mix of familiar and new faces. Among the traditional crowd favorites of volunteers are the Keystone Kops, who crisscross the avenue welcoming attendees and have been a staple since the first parade.

Keystone Kops from left, Steve Bromberg, Lloyd Ikerd and Earl McDaniel, driving a Ford Model A, are traditional crowd favorites at the annual Balboa Island Parade.

(Susan Hoffman)

“This parade is very special,” said Earl McDaniel, a Balboa Island resident and one of three Keystone Kops. “Originally we were part of the security, which has turned into a participant [where] we interact and play with the crowd, and people like having their picture taken with us.”

The Patio Chair Drill Team has come a long way since a group of women wanted to do something funny as their entry into the parade 20 years ago. During their first appearance they carried a boombox playing “Summer Nights” from “Grease” that nobody could hear. These days they dance behind a decorated golf cart equipped with amplified music. Their dance moves have improved over the years as well, thanks to the guidance of an award-winning choreographer.

“We are dedicated and committed to eight weeks of practice and it’s not easy to come up with a different routine, said Meridee Banas, a Balboa Island resident who serves as captain of the drill team.

The Patio Drill Team did not disappoint this year as they brought up the rear of the Balboa Island Parade on Sunday.

(Susan Hoffman)

Banas explained that since the style of chairs they use are no longer in production they hold onto the originals because they are flat across the back, which is preferential for safety. The newer version sold in stores is rounded, which could cause the chairs to roll when they hit the ground and then become unstable props.

“It may look easy, but it’s not, especially when you perform 20 times in a row. It’s physically challenging, and the chairs are very old and beat up,” Banas said.

“The girls have camaraderie and are so caring it has brought out friendships that have lasted a long time,” the drill captain added.

One of the new faces this year was the Citizen Water entry. Although Evan Krisher technically participated in the 2019 parade chauffeuring a dignitary in his Hummer, this year the Hummer was tricked out with a beverage bar to popularize Citizen Water, which is headquartered in neighboring Costa Mesa.

Citizen Water Co.’s Evan Krisher, center, passes out candy and beverages while towing Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis behind in his boat during Sunday’s Balboa Island Parade. Also seen are Aria Mucci and Brett Lawrence atop the Hummer, Sani and Dylan Krisher and Tommy Driver in boat, Laura Curcio standing in street.

(Susan Hoffman)

“We have kids throwing 14 pounds of candy, and we’re giving away 400 stickers and also throwing 200 stress balls,” said Krisher. “We have five bartenders pouring water, Kombucha, coffee and lemonade to hand out to the crowd.”

As a bonus, the Hummer beverage car also towed a boat that transported Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis.

Lewis, who has participated in the parade since 2016, said he was excited and that it was nice to get back to normal again as the pandemic has waned.

“It’s a fantastic community event, and I look forward to being a part of it every year,” Lewis said. “A great day, celebration of the community and something that makes Newport Beach really special.”

USMC-Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band, Miramar, marches to the “Marines’ Hymn” during the Balboa Island Parade held Sunday.

(Susan Hoffman)

Among the estimated 4,000 attendees this year was Shawn Walters, who recently moved back to Balboa Island after living 24 years in Washington, D.C.

“This is one of the things I’m most looking forward to seeing, a celebration of silliness,” Walters said.

She was joined in the crowd of onlookers by her mom, Marion Walters, who never misses the parade.

Kids from Lincoln, Corona del Mar, Paularino and Sonora elementary school bands in Costa Mesa march along Marine Avenue during Sunday’s parade.

(Susan Hoffman)

“It’s always enjoyable to see everyone enjoying it,” Marion Walters said. “I especially enjoy seeing the little children.”

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.