DOWNEY - The Downey Chamber of Commerce got the go-ahead from the City Council last week to host its Christmas Parade on Dec. 4 on Downey Avenue.The annual parade, previously known as the Holiday Lane Parade, begins at 1:30 p.m. The parade route starts at Lexington Road and heads south on Downey Avenue before disbanding in the Civic Center. Downey Avenue will be closed from 12:30 to 4 p.m., along with the eastern-most portions of Lexington Road, Cherokee Drive, and 7th, 6th and 5th streets at Downey Avenue, and 11th and 10th streets between Birchdale and Brookshire avenues. Northbound traffic on Downey Avenue will be redirected at Firestone Boulevard and southbound traffic at Florence Avenue. The Chamber will pay the city $10,400 for police, fire and public works personnel staffing the parade. The chamber also provided proof of insurance. The parade, now in its 60th year, is expected to include 200 pieces, including bands, color guards, floats, equestrians, clowns and marching units.

********** Published: November 17, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 31