Practically the entire city packed onto the Coast Highway 101, sitting on blankets and lawn chairs sipping hot beverages for the annual Encinitas Holiday Parade Saturday. Everyone, from families with young children to hooligan teenagers, came together to watch the show.
Watching the parade is a tradition for many people. This year’s theme was “This IS Encinitas Life.” The floats were covered with surfers, bikers, coffee drinkers, and anything else unique and creative.
The parade started at D Street, framed by the giant green Encinitas sign, and ended at J Street. The participants included Boy Scout troops, church groups, dance troupes, pony clubs, vintage cars, and marching bands. The World’s Largest Skateboard also put in an appearance.
San Dieguito Academy was represented by the Japanese Honors Society, the surf team, and the marching band. The Japanese Honors society marched in kimonos, and the surf team skateboarded next to their float. The band played “Hawaii 5-0” and dropped it low during a dance break.
Senior Alexis Hale, who plays the French horn, said “The song was high energy and the dance moves added to the excitement. It seemed like the audience enjoyed watching.” Choreography was by Band Director Jeremy Wuertz. The SDA band has won the marching band category nearly every year against LCC.