By Mary O’KEEFE

After the Glendale Fire Department engine drove down Honolulu Avenue on Saturday and Santa waved at those lined along the sidewalk, the 35th Annual Montrose Christmas Parade came to an end.

“[Our count] was about 21,000 to 22,000 people attending the parade,” said Lt. Steve Robertson, Glendale Police Department.

That figure is lower then what officials had first predicted, however the recent weather, including cold temperatures and wind plus power outages, might have played a role in attendance.

Earlier, parade officials were watching weather reports, concerned that the parade may have to be cancelled if the winds did not decrease.

But there was no need to worry as the winds calmed just before the first float made its way down the avenue.

“We were concerned that Santa wouldn’t have his [fly by] but Santa was able to make his flight,” Robertson said.

Over 100 volunteers, including students from Rosemont Middle School, Clark Magnet and Crescenta Valley high schools, helped with the parade in a variety of jobs. CVHS Prom Plus Club organized the volunteers who, after the end of their volunteer time, were treated to dinner catered by Montrose’s El Charro restaurant. VIPs that included Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich were treated to delicacies catered by Dream Dinners.

Glendale police made only one arrest – a man for public intoxication and disturbing the peace. The police department had about 35 to 40 personnel in place throughout parade route.

“Over all, this is such an important event for the community,” Robertson said.

  Mary Okeefe