The 60th Starlight Parade & Festival is back on Dec. 14, with festivities beginning at 3 p.m. At the Dec. City Council meeting, Mayor John McCann gave an update on this yearly event. McCann said this event promotes civic pride, boosts community and furthers the Chula Vista brand.
“We had a huge success last year,” he said. “This year we encompassed the community input we had. Last year, we did it on a Sunday, and one major input we had was that it had always been held on Saturday and we ultimately moved it to Saturday. We updated the brand and the logos. We brought in a new producer, SoundSkilz, and we have some new attractions. A larger stage with new entertainment. They will be playing one of my favorite Christmas movies, and no it is not ‘Die Hard.’ It is going to be ‘Elf’ in Memorial Bowl, and it is going to be a great opportunity.”
McCann said there will be a storefront decorating contest along Third Avenue, additional temporary public restrooms, hand washing stations, and trash pickup, along with enhanced public safety and security measures.
“Also, we had so many people there that we added an additional block. The parade will start at I Street. It got pushed down so more families will have more places to sit and walk,” he said.
The parade will travel down Third Avenue from I Street to E Street.
Chula Vista Communications Manager Michele Clock said they have increased the event promotions this year, doing outreach in both English and Spanish, paid advertising, physical banners, news media coverage, social media, the event website, a promotional video, community presentations, distributing flyers to businesses and surrounding neighborhoods, and working closely with the Downtown Chula Vista Association and Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce.
SoundSkilz President Founder and President Steve Clayton said 60 years is a big deal.
“This year the Starlight Festival will feature new entertainment on the main stage. We will be featuring Dreamboats, an old-school rock band. Mercedes Gonzalez, Neisha’s Dance Academy which will be opening the Bowl, and Mariachi Internacional,” he said.
Clayton said there will be a Kids’ Zone with various activities, a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the parade, and there will be more than 40 food and retail vendors along Park Way.
Photos with Santa are from 3-6 p.m. Holiday Festival from 3-7 p.m. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held at 5:45 p.m., with the parade starting at 6 p.m. For children who do not want to watch the parade, “Elf” will begin at 6 p.m.
