Lighting up the West End

Fire trucks, antique cars and other decorated vehicles lit up West Beech Street during the fourth annual West End Electric Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Thousands of people cheered on 75 vehicles that made their way down the bustling street. The event doubled in size since the previous year, organizer James Lynch said.

This year’s grand marshal — who rode atop the Christmas rig — was Isaiah Bird, an 8-year-old wrestler with the Long Beach Gladiators who was born without legs.

“Every year we choose a child who, through their own struggles in life, inspire us to do good,” Lynch said. “Isaiah and all the children are what make Long Beach great.”

The parade is part of a larger effort to attract visitors to businesses in the West End and encourage residents to do their holiday shopping locally.

Local businesses served hot chocolate along the parade route and Lynch said that the feedback from business owners was overwhelmingly positive.

“[The parade] has a twofold purpose — doing something for our little ones and also helping businesses,” Lynch said. “In the winter time, it’s tough to drive business down Beech Street in the West End, so events like this help.”

Lynch said the parade has come a long way since its first go-around in 2013 when it featured only a handful of vehicles and a single marching band. He also thanked the city for its role in organizing the event as well.

“It’s a team effort to get this pulled off because a lot goes into the planning,” he said.