Community Corner

Big Bay Balloon Parade Attracts Thousands

Retired Vice Admiral Edward Martin takes his place as grand marshal at the Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade Wednesday.

It was a fine day for a parade, with no sign of the December cold snap in evidence.

, as tens of thousands of people lined Harbor Drive's sidewalks and medians to view oversized depictions of cartoon characters, from the old, like Betty Boop, to the new, like Woody from the “Toy Story” franchise. 

of the show which, included college and high school bands – and floats for the Holiday Bowl participants, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Texas. 

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Events conencted to the parade included a 5K, a race for speedy dachshunds and a festival on the bayfront. It will be followed by the 5 p.m Bridgepoint Holiday Bowl match-up between the Bears and the Longhorns at Qualcomm Stadium.


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