Cue the marching band and decorate those floats because Chula Vista’s holiday parade is officially coming back.
The Third Avenue Village Association voted last week to support this year’s Starlight Parade, which will be put on by the city after a two-year hiatus.
“The city of Chula Vista has agreed to host and take over the parade under certain circumstances,” said Chula Vista Councilman Rudy Ramirez, who was part of a committee that explored ideas for reviving the parade.
Those tasks include raising the $45,000 needed to produce the holiday parade, Ramirez said.
The costs are to cover the overtime pay for police officers, to pay cleanup crews and other expenses.
The city of Chula Vista paid $15,000 in seed money as long as a matching $15,000 was raised privately, which Ramirez said was met.
As of Monday, $16,000 had been raised, and Ramirez said he is seeking philanthropist and community members to help raise the remaining $15,000.
Ron Cohn and Tony Raso are two of the biggest donors.
Cohn, the owner of Sprouts Chula Vista, donated $5,000 while Raso, the owner of La Bella’s Pizza, pledged $3,000.
The goal is, Ramirez said, to fund a complete parade, not a scaled down event.
“We want it to be as big and as fantastic as it’s always been,” he said. And so we’re not cutting any corners.”
Ramirez said a potential date and parade route are currently being discussed.
TAVA Executive Director Luanne Hulsizer said TAVA still plans to host its Holiday in the Village event from noon to 6 p.m. on Dec. 6.
“At this point we’re looking to co-host our events on the same day,” Hulsizer said.
Hulsizer said TAVA is not putting in any money toward the parade as it is sponsored by the city of Chula Vista. She also said the TAVA staff won’t participate in the production process.
Although the Starlight Parade is a go for this year, Ramirez said the goal is to create a sustainable model for the parade to continue for many years to come.
Part of the sustainability model is to create a 501(C3) with an established board to oversee the Starlight Parade.
