La Verne schedules Parade of Lights Dec. 6; seasonal skating rink to open same night

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee announced Saturday, Dec. 6 as the date for the city’s Parade of Lights, which will begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall and end at Veterans Park with a tree lighting and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, committee member Cathy said. "The parade starts at 5PM up here at City Hall," Cathy said. The parade's theme will be "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."

Cathy said the parade's grand marshal will be George Lancaster, a La Verne resident "recognized for his actions at the scene of a wreck" and described by staff as a local hero. "Our grand marshal is George Lancaster," Cathy said. She added she has received Lancaster's bio and will publish it in promotional materials.

Staff reported 41 registrations to date and noted some registrations represent large groups, including three high-school bands and a motorcycle club. "I have 41 registrations right now," Cathy said, adding that some entries include multiple participants under a single registration.

Parks staff confirmed a seasonal skating rink is assembled and ready. "It is together," David said of the rink's installation. Staff outlined the rink schedule: opening the night of the parade (Dec. 6) from 6–8 p.m.; Sundays (Dec. 7, 14 and 21) 1–4 p.m.; Friday Dec. 12 from 4–8 p.m.; most Saturdays 1–6 p.m.; and weekday openings Dec. 29 and 30 from noon–4 p.m. Staff also said Dec. 20 will include a 1–2 p.m. session reserved for people with special needs.

Cathy said the event and rink information is posted on the city's community events web page (transcript shows the URL as "lavernetn.gov," which may be a transcription error).

The committee did not take formal votes on event spending during the meeting; staff said any budget requests for larger, citywide 250th-anniversary events would require board or budget amendment approval.