Thousands crowd West End for parade

The annual Electric Light Parade made its return to the West End on Saturday with thousands of spectators lining the streets for festive floats, antique cars and other attractions, organizers said.

People line up along the parade on West Beech Street, from Ohio to New York avenues, as more than 75 antique cars, fire trucks, floats and bicycles decorated in festive holiday lights made their way down the festival route.

“People were out in record numbers at the parade, and businesses were jam-packed with people,” Long Beach Chamber of Commerce board member Kelly Sullivan said.

The parade is a collaborative effort between the city, the Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The parade started out as a holiday event intended to support local businesses after they suffered through Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and has now become one of the city’s most anticipated events. Some businesses offered special deals and gave out free hot chocolate along the parade route.

Organizers also handed out awards to participants in several categories including first-place honors for most outstanding float, which went to A & E Builders, while the City Council’s award for best Long Beach-themed float went to Delaware Under the Sea, and most unique float went to The Elf on the Shell. Trophies will be handed out at the January chamber meeting. For a full list of winners, visit the Long Beach Electric Light Parade’s Facebook Page.

The event was presented by The Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and other sponsors included Peknic, Peknic & Schaefer LLC, Lancer Insurance, Petrey Real Estate and Pam Air Service Inc.