The Magical Holiday Parade has long been a staple of Toluca Lake’s holiday season, but following its successful return in 2023, championed by longtime resident and community leader Craig Strong, the parade was even more anticipated in its second year back thanks to a new route, new floats and a fully operational Toluca Lake Trolley.
While the parade was larger and more complicated to put together and dismantle this time around, Strong says the December 24 event was a huge success. “Being this was just our second year with the new parade, I feel it went much better and smoother,” he says. “Everyone loved the new floats and the trolley. They were more difficult to assemble, but it was well worth it. We have received huge compliments from the community, which motivates us to keep it alive and going.”
The trolley was “touch and go” in 2023, so part of the fundraising for 2024 was focused on getting it fully operational and safe. “It was pricey but needed,” Strong shares. “It still needs work but it was so much better this time around. She will be ready and even better in 2025.”
A key reason for the event’s success was the tight-knit, hardworking parade committee, which includes Michael Wahl, Ron Miziker, Esther Walker, Pete Flynn and several other community members. “I have to say, I have worked on many committees and boards,” Strong says. “This committee starts meeting in March. I have never seen a group of people work so hard volunteering all their time and talents to do something incredible for a one-day community event. I truly feel the ‘magical’ part of the Magical Holiday Parade is this committee coming together, especially in December, to get this parade up and running. The end result, which makes it all worthwhile, is watching this neighborhood come outside from their homes to enjoy and share in this historic and incredible event.”
Even with all this dedicated effort, Strong says more help is still needed in order for the parade to be the best it can be.
“The biggest challenge is getting volunteers,” he shares. “We had many signups who didn’t show up, or people who showed up the night of but left in the middle. Some people signed up for many roles and didn’t show up at all. If people want larger routes and a great show, they need to help and assist. Without the volunteers, we have no show.”
Strong adds that volunteering begins two weeks in advance at Radford Studios, where participants dedicate time to building and designing. Following the parade, additional help is needed on December 26–27 to pack everything up and put it into storage. “It’s a ton of work and stress for this committee to handle, so we need the help,” Strong says.
Despite the amount of work it took to put on the event, Strong says it’s all worth it “watching our neighbors enjoy the night and seeing everyone smiling, laughing and remembering this tradition as each year goes by. It is a huge part of why we all love Toluca Lake so much. How blessed are we to live in this town? 2025, let’s go!”