Big Crowds Expected As Santa, Holiday Parade Roll Across Beaumont

BEAUMONT, CA — Old Saint Nick will park his sleigh and hop aboard a fire truck Saturday in Beaumont for an 18-mile goodwill tour through the city, with a police escort.

"Operation Santa" will be the second part of the city's annual Holiday Light Parade, slated for 5 p.m., beginning at the intersection of Beaumont Avenue and 10th Street.

The parade will feature uniquely decorated floats and golf carts, marching bands and a number of civic organizations sporting their holiday spirit, according to organizers.

Operation Santa will start as soon as the parade concludes at the Beaumont Civic Center.

The jolly bearded man will board a fire engine, with police patrol units in front and behind, and make a circuit through numerous residential areas, including along Oak Valley Parkway, Orange Avenue, Trevino Trail, Harmon Heights and the Sicily neighborhood.

The goal is to spread some holiday cheer and give children a chance to visit with Kris Kringle while meeting some of the city's public safety officials.

Santa's journey will be announced with lights and sirens and will include brief stops.

More information, including a live map of the journey, will be available the night of the event at beaumont.doublemap.com/map/.