On Dec.1, Seal Beach had its 45th annual Christmas parade. There were over 80 entries from organizations and schools in the parade this year, including our Huntington Beach High School Academy of the Performing Arts (HB APA). Many families and friends look forward to seeing it all year and always have a blast watching or participating in it.
The theme of this year’s parade was “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” with so many amazing costumes and colorful, prettifying vehicles. The energy before and during the parade was undescribable, everyone was filled with joy, laughter, and excitement.
“My favorite part was seeing the different types of cars with decorations passing by as well as the dances,” said OVHS student Vida Marcial Fuentes.
Huntington Beach High School Academy of the Performing Arts (HB APA) students were also in attendance at this marvelous event.
They sang and danced to “Rockin’ Rudolph” and rehearsed weeks before this event to make sure everything was perfect.
HBHS senior Claire Tunstall said, “I loved being able to walk around and make people happy.”
“I was the keyboard player on the truck. I thought I was going to fall over a couple of times when we were moving, but it was exciting to see all of APA stay in formation!” said HB APA pianist Andrew Selecky.
Students in the parade had the most fun.
Bass guitarist in HB APA Owen Nideffer said, “My favorite part of the parade was playing bass on the float. I got to vibe with my friends and a guy was watching who was jamming out with me.”
“My favorite thing was performing with my fellow singers and getting to dance around and celebrate with everyone in the crowd,” says HBHS student Ash Dunlap.
It was a great way to kick off the Christmas Season activities, and many performers and viewers agreed as well.
APA student Izzy Vosper said, “I think the Seal Beach X-Mas Parade is a wonderful way to start the Christmas season because it just incites so much joy in all the parade-goers. It’s nothing but a fun experience where families and friends come together to welcome the holiday season.”
OVHS student Vida Marcial Fuentes said, “Yes it brings you to the holiday spirit because everyone gathers up as a community and gets into the Christmas spirit together.”
Overall, the experience of the whole event was joyously overwhelming in the best way possible, and worth the wait all year. All the entries had unique performances and the best spirits by spreading kindness to the audience. So if you haven’t gone to the Seal Beach Christmas Parade, you should go next year.
As HBHS student Andrew Selecky said, “Run, Rudolph, Run!”