Christmas Parade: A 40 Year Holiday Tradition

It began to feel a lot like Christmas last weekend in Colton, with the Annual Christmas Parade organized by the Colton Chamber of Commerce held Saturday, Dec. 13. “People really look forward to this event…I have people calling me in March and April for the entry applications,” said Chetay Catalano, the Chamber's Executive Director. Festivities kicked off at 9 a.m. and the parade began at the corner of O Street and La Cadena Drive. This year marked the parade's 40th anniversary with 65 entries - including 25 Christmas floats, and once again brought together residents and visitors from nearby communities who joined in on the holiday spirit, seemingly undeterred by the rainy weather at the end of last week. The crowd was filled with residents with a common goal: celebrating Christmas. “We’re a tight-knit community and people love to come out and watch the parade,” Catalano said. There was also a contest for all parade entries. A first, second, and third place winner were named for two separate categories: Floats and Dance/Cheers. Catalano announced the winners at the Christmas at the Park event that offers all community members a good time with music and food in Fleming Park after the parade. The first place float category winner was the NV 361 Salon’s float; second place was the Colton Pride – Lisa Villa float; and coming in third place was DJ Carlos Alba and Colton Tee-ball’s float. The first place winner for the dance category was the “Danza Azteca de Guadalupana"; the second place winner was the “Danza De Guadalupana de Colton”; and coming in third place was the “Angels Cheer." Catalano also mentioned the many people and organizations that were instrumental in the parade’s success. The Chamber of Commerce organizes the parade, parade route, and handles the applications and entries of the parade. Catalano said, “We do get assistance from the city: from Colton Community Services, Colton Public Works-Street Department, the Colton Police Department, The Door Christian Church and amazing volunteers like the Chamber’s Ambassador Jane Gerth, her husband Gregg Gerth, Jacqulyn Gerth, my husband Joe Catalano, my kids Joey and Caylie.” The parade was also orchestrated with the help and support of Parade Emcee Mike Medina, judges Shelley Burnach with Premier Medical Transportation and Colton Chamber Vice President; Monique Ruiz from Pure Gold Medical Esthetician; Debra Chavez; Paul Rasso; Larry Rivas; and “E” Street Cruizers. The parade had Grand Marshals from the 1954 and 1956 Little League All Star Champion teams: Danny Carrasco (1954), Chon Calderilla (1954), Ted Housley (1956) and John Cross (1956). In a letter of thanks to the Colton Chamber of Commerce, Housley thanked the Chamber on behalf of all the 2014 Christmas Parade Grand Marshals. "It brought back some great memories of long ago," Housley wrote. "Both of our teams, respectfully, were treated to a parade upon our return from Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Each player was given a convertible car to ride in with our names on banners taped to the cars just like (the 2014 Christmas Parade). The parade started from the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, which is no longer there, going through the streets of Colton and San Bernardino and like (the 2014 Christmas Parade) there were people lining each side of the streets welcoming us home. It is hard to believe it has been some 60 years since that happened and for you and the Chamber to honor us after all those years really made it special for us."