Shore Lines: They Love a Parade

If you're going to Saturday's Encinitas Holiday Parade, here's a viewing tip: Keep an eye out for the Wildcat Nation.

The father-daughter group—part of the Adventure Club program at the —is gaining a reputation for top-notch parade entries. Last year, the nation took home a judges' prize for its entry; for two years prior to that, the group was recognized in the YMCA's own judging contest, winning cash that could be used toward a campout.

Parker Lord, a Wildcat member with his 9-year-old daughter, Hannah, was the nation "chief" last year and says winning top honors in the parade was a "nice surprise" for the nation's nine tribes.

"I think it came down to the fact that every single tribe somehow represented the spirit of the program and got the girls involved, and that every one of our floats met the theme of the parade."

Lord says last year he was the "head cheerleader," coordinating the efforts of the tribes, which each came up with their own ideas for their parade entries. All of them fit last year's "Season's GreeNings" environmental theme. One tribe created a recycling machine and put trash into it as they moved along the parade route. Lord says his tribe decorated wagons in a recycling theme and focused on green camping. Best of all, it was a message the group put into practice beyond the parade.

"When we would go camping every month, we would generate a lot of trash, so the theme for us that whole year was to be more friendly in that regard," he says. "A lot of tribes converted to reusable plates and silverware instead of paper and plastic for everything."

Anyone who has attended the holiday parade knows the YMCA groups are among the liveliest participants, partly because of their sheer numbers—the Wildcat Nation alone had about 120 members march last year—and because of the spirit they bring to the event. And while judges' prizes are nice, just being part of the parade is honor enough, Lord says.

"I think my daughter really likes it a lot. How many kids get to march in a parade, let alone with their dad? The most fun for me was setting up—we were hanging out in the streets, there was hot cocoa and people were bringing food over to us. And it gives us a chance to spend more time together and have fun."

The Encinitas Holiday Parade begins at 5:30 p.m. (preceded by a tree lighting at 5 p.m.) and takes place on Coast Highway between D and J streets.

Shop Local, Shop Late

If you're one of those procrastinators who waits until Christmas Eve to do your shopping, you have no more excuses: Dec. 2 is the kickoff of the new program, with downtown stores open until 8 p.m. And this is much better than any crowded mall. Strolling carolers will provide the seasonal spirit, there will be live music throughout downtown and Santa will be stationed at The Lumberyard. The event runs every Thursday through Dec. 23 and is organized by the .

Local 'Fun'raising for an International Cause

And while you're in a giving mood, mark Dec. 3 in your datebook. Local organization Ghana Africa International Operations is holding a Fun-Raising-The-Roof fundraiser that night to help achieve its goal of promoting literacy and education in Africa by building a library and cultural center in Akwatia, Ghana. The event takes place at 5:30 p.m. at FIXTURES, 9340 Dowdy Dr. in La Jolla and includes African music, an auction, fashion show, and more. To learn about the organization, visit gaioworld.org or check out gaioworld.eventbrite.com.