Downtown Santa Barbara Announces Parade Winners

La Boheme Dancers

Source: Downtown Santa Barbara

What may seem like a simple little gig – judging the bands, dance and performance groups and entries of the 66thAnnual Downtown Santa Barbara Holiday Parade Presented by Consumer Fire Products Inc. – is actually much tougher than it sounds. With 84 entries to view with a critical eye (and ear), the Parade judges had their work cut out for them. Without further ado, here are the “Santa Barbara Shines” winners:

• Best Dance Ensemble: La Boheme Professional Dance Group
• Best School Cheer/Dance Team: Dos Pueblos High School Cheer
• Best Performance Group: Calvary Chapel
• Most Spirited Entry: Adelante Charter School
• Most Creative Use of Parade Theme: Girl Scouts of the CA Central Coast
• Best High School Band: San Marcos HS (runner-up: Dos Pueblos HS)
• Best Junior High School Band: Goleta Valley JHS (runner-up: Santa Barbara JHS)
• Best Elementary School Band: SBUSD Bravo (runner-up: Goleta Valley Elementary Schools Band)

“This is the most special community gig ever!” said Parade Judge Randy Weiss (Union Bank). “It was wonderful to see all the kids and families enjoying this awesome parade!” Lead Judge Tammy Steaurt (Metropolitan Theatres) agrees, “It was fun! The judging gets tougher each year, as participants ramp up their entries.”

Kicking off the Parade, Parade Prince Kai Paterson and Holiday Fairy Bianca Paterson lit the huge Community Christmas Tree in grand fashion. Sponsored by Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants, the Parade royalty were dressed in holiday finery from Nordstrom. A favorite of the crowd, the six K9 Rescue Dog teams from Santa Barbara County Search and Rescue, drew huge applause and gratitude as the Parade Grand Marshals. Lemos Feed & Pet Supply, proud sponsor of the SBCSAR Grand Marshal teams, followed right behind in their brightly-lit truck.

And then came the spirited marching bands, cheer, sport and dance teams, many performance groups, decorative floats & balloons, and numerous community partner organizations enthusiastically flowing down State Street. The Parade was a crowd favorite from the beginning to end, with Santa himself waving from his reindeer float at the very end, created by Summer Solstice and powered by the clients and staff of Mad Fitness SB.

Downtown Santa Barbara is grateful to all Parade sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Consumer Fire Products Inc; American Riviera Bank, Hotel Californian, Kimpton Canary Hotel, Lemos Feed & Pet Supply, LogMeIn, Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant & Take Out, Marborg Industries, Montecito Bank & Trust, Noozhawk, Paseo Nuevo Shops & Restaurants, Santa Barbara Beautiful, Santa Barbara Independent, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, The Eagle Inn, The Towbes Group, Union Bank, VOICE magazine, and Zoom Video Communications.