Photo by: Monique Valadez
Chino High School Marching Band brings holiday cheer to Chino’s Youth Christmas Parade.

By Monique Valadez

CHINO – Thousands of early risers lined the city streets to celebrate the official arrival of Christmas in Chino with the annual youth Christmas parade Saturday, complete with school marching bands, hot rods carrying elected officials, decked-out floats and Santa Claus. More than 90 floats and hundreds of festive walkers and troops joined in the annual “A Christmas in Toyland” themed parade, which travels from along Riverside Drive and then right on Central Avenue to end at City Hall.

Local youth sports volunteer Dawn Jerry served as this year’s grand marshal and was recognized by the city council as the 2015 Chino Sports Legends Award recipient earlier this month.

“I’ve walked and participated in Chino’s parade for many years and now to be honored at the parade is the cherry on top,” Jerry said. “I have had the honor and privilege to coach a lot of kids in Chino.”

“It’s people like Dawn that make Chino so special and unique,” said Mayor Dennis Yates. “Her tireless work with our kids solidifies why Chino has received the “100 Best Communities for Young People” multiple times.”

Also in the parade were representatives from the church community, including Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
“We felt it was important for us to join in the parade since our church was one of the first churches in Chino. The parade just brings the whole community together,” Rev. Edmund Gomez of Chino’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Church said. “It’s a longstanding tradition in Chino even the church community participates in the parade.”

Photo by: Monique Valadez
Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez cruises in a Ford Model T at Chino’s Christmas Parade.

Rounding out the field of entries were units and representatives from dance schools and activity centers, local businesses, nonprofits, civic groups and community organizations.

Politicians, including Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman and Senator Connie Leyva, cruised in the parade as well.

“It’s a good way to spread good cheer throughout the community,” said Pomona’s Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, as he hopped inside the vintage Ford car to roll down the parade route.

The parade was followed by the annual craft fair at the city’s civic center plaza. The fair included carnival rides, community performances, a vendor area, food, children activities and of course, a special visit from Santa.

Photo By: Monique Valadez
Ben Midlik and Adam Valadez from Pack #205 get ready to march.