By: Advika Anand and Abby Coven

Graphics Editor and News Editor

The 69th annual Los Gatos Children’s Holiday Parade marched through town on Dec. 6 featuring an exciting variety of participants. Helming this year’s parade was Grand Marshall Kurt Kroesche, LGHS’s own treasured English and Philosophy/Ethics teacher. The parade starts at the intersection of North Santa Cruz and Almendra Avenues, weaves through downtown, and ends on the LGHS front lawn. This holiday celebration is an event that locals, young and old, anticipate and cherish.

Sponsored by Los Gatos Lions Club, Los Gatos Saratoga Parks and Recreation and the Town of Los Gatos, the parade is a beloved institution. Begun in 1962 with only a handful of children and pets, the parade has grown into one of the largest holiday parades in Northern California, offering an opportunity to spotlight local businesses along with schools, community organizations, and kids’ activities like dance and scouts.

The longtime tradition of selecting a parade Grand Marshall has been passed down through the decades. To his surprise and delight, Kroesche was selected this year: “It’s a sweet and sincere gesture to be selected by members of the LG community. I’m honored to be included among past Grand Marshall recipients.” Kroesche emphasized, “It’s important to find a place to belong and a purpose that’s bigger than yourself…LGHS and Los Gatos have been a large part of that place and purpose for me.”

Every year the parade kicks off with local leaders followed by the LGHS band and cheerleading teams. According to Olive Murrett, a percussionist on LGHS’s marching band, reflected, “The crowd’s energy definitely made everything less stressful and more fun, and I think it made us all play and march a little better being more relaxed.” Kelly Huang, Cheer flyer, described her favorite part of the day: “Getting together with my friends and team and getting to see all the people and programs we have in our community.” Many other Wildcats took part in the event through their involvement with other clubs and organizations.

This year, the floats included a mix of local activities combined with performance groups, spanning from dance companies to horse vaulting clubs. For many of the participants, specifically children, the parade is one of their first opportunities to perform in front of a town, creating traditions that they will join as they grow. Other floats locals look for are the iconic Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad train along with the local firefighters,  their vehicles, and their families. One of the most anticipated moments, Santa’s sleigh, occurred at the very end. Behind the scenes, Santa revealed that his adoration of taking part in a community event prompted him to play the role of Saint Nick for the past ten years.

Overall, the Holiday Parade offers the opportunity to students, local businesses, and volunteers to showcase their passions and proudly display them in front of an enthusiastic crowd during this time-honored occasion.