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Santa Invites Bob Barker to Come on Down |
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Hollywood
By David Lowell
Santa has invited television legend Bob Barker to ‘come on down’ and be the Grand Marshall of the 2007 Hollywood Santa Parade. Councilmembers Eric Garcetti and Tom LaBonge made the announcement. The event is set for 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 25.
Earlier this year, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that it would no longer produce the annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. Garcetti and LaBonge quickly worked to ensure the parade -- now in its 76th year - could continue. Hollywood's Santa Parade LLC has been contracted by the City of Los Angeles to produce the event.
 The City’s ‘saving’ the parade has not been without controversy, however. Some stakeholders and community organizations have objected to city dollars going to support an event they consider to have, at the least, religious connotations. “City money,” one resident told the City Council, “should not go to support an event of this size that does not include Jews , Muslums and other religions.”
Some observers have also questioned the expenditure in light of the serious budget issues currently being faced by the City.
In the meantime, it would appear that there will be no rain on this year’s Hollywood Santa Parade.
“With its famous theaters and landmarks such as the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard has long symbolized a place where people come to make their dreams come true. In just a few weeks, thousands of kids will come to Hollywood Boulevard in hopes of asking Santa to make their holiday dreams come true this holiday season when they see him at Hollywood’s Santa Parade,” said Council President Eric Garcetti. “In addition, this year’s Grand Marshal is a person whose career exemplifies the Hollywood dream. We are truly honored to have television legend Bob Barker as the 2007 Hollywood’s Santa Parade Grand Marshal.”
"Hollywood's annual holiday parade down Hollywood Boulevard is back -- as Hollywood’s Santa Parade," said Councilmember Tom LaBonge. "We're excited with the line up of talent, bands and the salute to firefighters and look forward to seeing one and all."
As for the “Price is Right” TV icon, Barker said, “For me to have a star on Hollywood Boulevard and be Grand Marshall of Hollywood’s Santa Parade is a real thrill.”
(The parade is free and open to the public. Grandstand seats cost $35. Spectators are encouraged to GoMetro to Hollywood and Highland. Info at 1-866-PARADE.) _
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