Encinitas: We Love a Parade

is , and this year — the city’s 25th anniversary — promises to attract more participants and spectators than in recent years. Here are some helpful hints to get the most out of the big night:

GETTING THERE

• City staffers encourage an early arrival to beat the rush for a parking spot. With Coast Highway 101 blocked off starting at 4 p.m., parking on the surrounding neighborhood streets on either side of the highway and the various lots (Moonlight Beach, City Hall, the library, the Coaster station) will be at a premium. If you do get there early, you can spend the time shopping and dining — and staking out a spot to watch the parade (see below). If you have young kids who are getting fidgety waiting for the action to start, a portable DVD player (with an appropriate holiday flick) can help pass the time.
• Or you could just skip the hassle of finding a parking spot and take advantage of the two shuttle stations. Buses will run every 20 minutes from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at on Santa Fe Drive (which is ADA accessible) and the on Saxony Road. Shuttle rides are free.

WHAT TO BRING

• Blankets and beach chairs for sitting. Make sure everything can be packed up so you can travel easily on the shuttle bus or maneuver during your walk from your parking space, especially if said space is up the hill from Coast Highway 101. (And the faster you can gather up your belongings, the better to quickly get through the exiting masses of people at the end of the night.
• Layers, because even with our 80-degree November days, it can still get crisp downtown.
• Or, for those who throw caution — and comfort — to the wind, you can dress as your favorite ‘80s pop culture reference,
• Refreshments. Skip the long lines at Starbucks in the Lumberyard and bring your own coffee or hot cocoa in a thermos. You can always pack snacks or bring money for parade munchies — can feed a family, for instance, or simply pop into for something from the prepared food section.
• Camera. If you come early enough, you can snap pics of your kids at the 5 p.m. tree-lighting at the Lumberyard. (Santa is the special guest). Make sure your camera is on the night setting if you plan to take pics during the parade.
• Your smart phone. Texting or leaving a note on Facebook or Twitter may make it easier for your friends to find where you are sitting.

WHERE TO SIT

• With about 20,000 people, there will be a lot of jockeying for position. Traditionally, the start of the parade route, between D and G streets, is usually more crowded. Hang out at the end of the parade route instead, or by the Lumberyard so you’re already nearby for the tree-lighting.
• If you want to keep track of the action, there are two announcer stations. The E Street announcing team is Carolyn Cope and John Reinhardt, and the Lumberyard station is manned by Judith Bumann and Janet England.
• Go for the skybox view and eat on the patio at Solace and the Moonlight Lounge. Or make friends with someone who lives in Pacific Station.
• Some people tend to stay away from sitting in the intersections, but those areas are fair game.
• Make sure everyone in your group is aware of your location. If you lose track of a child or have any other problems, uniform and plainclothes sheriffs will be on hand, and their communication station is at the 7 Eleven on D Street.

WHAT TO WATCH

• There are a LOT of entries — cars bearing school, community, and civic leaders; the grand marshal (this year, it’s); local beauty queens; young dancers high stepping their way down the street; and seemingly endless waves of scouts and Adventure Guides. Again, the announcers will make things interesting with background info on all entries. Awards will be given out in several categories, including "Best Representation of the Year 1986" and "Best Representation of Community" to tie in with the anniversary theme, "Encinitas 25 — Celebrating Our Beginning." 
• Nick Buck, recreation supervisor for the city of Encinitas, recommends keeping an eye out for the following entries: 
  •  
    • Local school bands from Oakcrest, Digueno, La Costa Canyon, and San Dieguito Academy traditionally have a friendly rivalry for best performance; Buck says there will be some ‘80s music and attire.
    • San Diego Woodies is known for its impressive car collection.
    • Also among the groups to watch for creative parade floats and entries are Horizon Christian Fellowship and Paul Ecke Central School.
    • Encinitas City Councilwoman Teresa Barth in this year's parade.
    • Animal lovers can admire the Southern California Icelandic Riders and their beautiful horses.
    • For sheer entertainment value, can anything top the Flippin’ Pizza employee who spent last year tossing pizza dough high into the air during his march down the route?
    • Stick it out to the end and you not only get Santa, but Earl Flores leading his band in a lively version of “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

The Encinitas Holiday Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. (with a tree-lighting at the Lumberyard at 5 p.m.) Dec. 3 and takes place along Coast Highway 101. encinitasparksandrec.com.

Like this article? Like us on Facebook, too. Or follow us on Twitter.