Centennial Parade in the Works

They say everyone loves a parade, and with that in mind, the city of Manhattan Beach is holding one on Saturday, May 19, 2012 in honor of the city's centennial.

Manhattan Beach historian and longtime resident Jan Dennis is chairing the parade committee, which has already received 23 applications to enter the parade. Another 48 applications have been sent to local schools, churches, organizations, youth groups, and businesses.

When she chaired the city's 75th anniversary, the parade had 70+ entries. She wants to equal, if not exceed, that number for the centennial parade.

“The more the merrier,” said Dennis at the parade committee's first public meeting on Sept. 14. “This parade is about involvement. It is for everyone.” 

Floats, boats, vintage cars, hay wagons, marching bands, drill teams, walking groups, clowns--Dennis says all are welcome. She anticipates that even horses and show dogs will participate.

Another nod to history will be 100 Neptunian women walking together in recognition of the Neptunian Women's Club of Manhattan Beach's 103 years. The club was the first social/philanthropic organization in MB.  

There is no charge to enter the parade but applications must be in by the end of December. There are some regulations: Floats should have signs on both sides with the names of the sponsors and signs up to 15 feet across should be carried by bands or walking groups.

Floats will need to be sprayed with a fire retardant and carry a fire extinguisher and all vehicles must be insured. For fire safety questions, contact Jim Muth, MB firefighter, at jimmuth@citymb.info.

The parade route is not yet finalized due to some issues with Cal Trans regarding Sepulveda Boulevard, but the bulk of the route will be on Manhattan Beach Boulevard. The parking lot at which parade entrants will wait is expected to be at Pacific Avenue and Manhattan Beach Boulevard.

Parade committee members are Paula Benard, Neil Boyer, Jeri Dearden, Helen Duncan, Lyn Flory, Richard Gill, Mike French, Andy Harrod, Joan Majurko, Gary McAulay, Chris Miller, Jane Murray, Alita Rethmeyer, Donna Scholtz, Bob White, and Rob Wilson.  

Some vendors at the Sept. 14 meeting had information regarding decorations, printing, costumes, and float material. Valley Decorating Company (559-495-1100) in Fresno has how-to instructions for float building; M&N International (800-479-2043), has the free "Bright Idea" Book, on parade decorations; Costume Closet (310-378-5005) in Palos Verdes Estates, a non-profit organization supporting education, has theatrical costumes; The Copy Shop (310-374-3666) in Manhattan Beach can help with printing of banners, and Manmade Parade Floats (310-279-2117) in Los Angeles has already-made basic floats that can be customized. 

Dennis, who chaired the city's 75th anniversary celebration, welcomes questions and can be reached at 310-372-8520. “This parade is for everyone,” she said. “No one will be turned away.”  

Applications and information packets are available at the Chamber of Commerce office and will be available on the city's Web site soon.