The 69th Downey Chamber of Commerce Virtual Christmas Parade will premiere on Sunday, December 20, at 12:00 via the Facebook page of the Downey Chamber of Commerce
By Clarissa Arceo
Last Friday, November 09, the city of Downey shut down 3rd St between Downey Ave and the Civic Center for four hours to move their 69th annual Christmas Parade online. A group of videographers recorded and photographed a different group every 15 minutes as they strolled down street with banners, dance routines, and waves from their floats/cars.
It was very strange for the participants to walk down the street and not have the gaze of the people, the laughter of the children, the applause, the photos, like every year; but it had to be like that in 2020 for the safety of all who regularly attended the Christmas parade.
This year, parade organizers singled out health workers mainly from both PIH and KP, as grand marshals, calling them “community heroes” in honor of their hard work during this pandemic.
The groups who participated are as followed: The U.S. Army Recruiting Center; the Downey Police and Fire Departments; Warren and Downey High’s Cheer teams; Gallatin’s Dental group; the Financial Partners Credit Union; the Angeles por Siempre Unidos group; Nova Storage; the Miss Downey Princesses; councilmembers like Ricardo Rodriguez, Alex Saab and family.
Sean Ashton and his wife Tammy, Claudia Frometa and her family, Mayor of Downey, Blanca Pacheco with her family; senator Bob Archuleta; José Fierro and Carmen Avalos from Cerritos College; Esencia Flamenca Dance Company & School; Glaudi by Johana Hernandez; Downey Latino Newspaper; David Valadez Entertainer Reporter; Girl Scouts Leaders Troop 01173.
And of course, María Fernández, Paula Mejía y Carmen González from Board of Directors Downey Chamber of Commerce with the MC Jacquelinne Mejia.
The curious glances of the people who passed around, were directed to see what they were doing. They took some photos or recorded video with their cell phones.
Public opinions were divided; On the one hand, those who said they were sad or disappointed “not going to be the same”, others commented that the Christmas season was already feeling.
Due to COVID-19 regulations, the Christmas Parade was unable to take place it’s usual 1st of December at noon following the annual ‘5k Elf Run’ earlier in the morning.
One of the main organizers of the parade, Paula Mejia, talks about her satisfaction of the turnout considering the alterations to the pandemic. “It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t do our usual Parade with the community, everyone always gets so involved and it’s nice to see everyone together,” she says, “But it’s also great that we will have this to give to the community in continuing the tradition while also being safe”.
“I am extremely satisfied with how this turned out. I’d say this was a great hit and I can’t wait to share it with the community. We worked really hard to move this online and we hope the community will enjoy it.”
The parade was filmed in various places in the city and on different days, between November, 9 and December 6th.
The 69th Downey Chamber of Commerce Virtual Christmas Parade will premiere on Sunday, December 20 at noon. Go to Online Event https://www.facebook.com/events/320725465649198 from now.
