Once a year, there’s no bigger Christmas party than in Hollywood, California! People from all across the world gather together, on Hollywood Boulevard, to watch the Hollywood Christmas Parade. This event has always been a crowd favorite, from its inception in 1928. Back then, Hollywood merchants transformed a one-mile stretch of Hollywood Boulevard into “Santa Claus Lane”. In fact, it was this parade that inspired a well-loved Christmas carol! In 1946, Gene Autry rode his horse in the parade and was inspired by the children yelling “Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus,” to write the eponymous song.
This year, history was made once again as our very own Pride of Eastside Marching Band joined the star-studded affair. The Pride of Eastside joined 15 other marching bands, all of whom had to be selected by a special parade committee. The Eastside Band, which was founded in 1996 by Band Director Alan Fowler, have traveled and performed throughout the United States, as well as a few concerts in Canada. We learned that the band even travelled to Hawaii to perform at Pearl Harbor, for The Pride of Eastside’s 10th Anniversary.
Now, The Pride is celebrating their 20th Anniversary and what better place to celebrate than in Hollywood, California? The Eastside Band began preparing their parade performance weeks ago to make sure their music and marches were ready. Eastside had to be perfect, because the Hollywood Christmas Parade was chock full of celebrity faces. The Grand Marshall this year was actress and singing sensation, Olivia Newton-John! Also scheduled to visit were the Blues Brothers, the Ghost Busters, and the big man himself, Santa Claus.
Needless to say, on November 27th, these kids did not disappoint! The Eastside Band marched through the streets of Hollywood, passing such famous landmarks as the Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Turns out, Eastside felt right at home among the stars! Along with some “jingle jams”, the band performed the theme to In The Heat of the Night, as an homage to their hometown, The Hollywood of the South.
We’re so proud of our hometown band, The Pride of Eastside Marching Band and their incredible director Alan Fowler. What a treat it was to see such an amazing performance by such talented high schoolers. Be sure to tune in to the CW or the Hallmark Channel on December 16th at 8pm! That’s the night of the national two-hour premiere of the Hollywood Christmas Parade. And, be on the lookout for The Pride of Eastside and listen for In The Heat of the Night! Can't wait for December 16th? Check out this link, for incredible behind the scenes pictures from the Hollywood Christmas Parade!
