Holiday cheer parades through downtown San Luis Obispo

Tribune staff
·1 min read

The 46th annual Holiday Parade filled the streets of San Luis Obispo with festive cheer on Friday night.

A light drizzle did not dampen spirits as vendors sold lighted spinners and kids slid on the road striping before the parade started.

Turnout was only slightly lighter than usual as the parking lots filled and restaurants served dinner in the city’s pocket parks as the parade went by.

Among the entries were were more than 80 decorated floats, marching bands, vehicles, dancers and more under the theme “Rockin’ Retro Holidays.”

The parade began on Palm Street before heading up Monterey Street and then back down Higuera Street to Nipomo Street and featured at least two Elvis Presley impersonators from his Las Vegas white-suited period.

A Cal Poly marching band member walks past Mission Plaza to take position in the parade. The 46th annual Holiday Parade, under the theme “Rockin’ Retro Holidays,” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
A Cal Poly marching band member walks past Mission Plaza to take position in the parade. The 46th annual Holiday Parade, under the theme “Rockin’ Retro Holidays,” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
Alec Flatos, fire engineer and paramedic with SLO City Fire department, waves to the crowd from atop an engine. The 46th annual Holiday Parade, under the theme “Rockin Retro Holidays,” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
Alec Flatos, fire engineer and paramedic with SLO City Fire department, waves to the crowd from atop an engine. The 46th annual Holiday Parade, under the theme “Rockin Retro Holidays,” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
San Luis Obispo High School Marching Band performs on Monterey Street. The 46th annual Holiday Parade under the theme “Rockin Retro Holidays” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
San Luis Obispo High School Marching Band performs on Monterey Street. The 46th annual Holiday Parade under the theme “Rockin Retro Holidays” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
San Luis Obispo Police Department motorcycle officers start the parade as a lighted souvenir vendor works nearby. The 46th annual Holiday Parade, under the theme “Rockin’ Retro Holidays,” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
San Luis Obispo Police Department motorcycle officers start the parade as a lighted souvenir vendor works nearby. The 46th annual Holiday Parade, under the theme “Rockin’ Retro Holidays,” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
Jeff Buckingham with Astound Broadband dressed as Elvis at the 46th annual Holiday Parade. The theme “Rockin’ Retro Holidays” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.
Jeff Buckingham with Astound Broadband dressed as Elvis at the 46th annual Holiday Parade. The theme “Rockin’ Retro Holidays” took to the San Luis Obispo streets Dec. 2, 2022.