DeAnza Lions at the 2009 San Jose Christmas Holiday Parade

Members of the De Anza Lions joined forces with Lions clubs from around the area in the always fun annual “San Jose Holiday Parade”. This year we tethered a large helium balloon of the PBS cartoon character “Arthur” down the parade route. Arthur’s eye glasses, book and backpack symbolize programs supported by local and international Lions clubs. Dressed in yellow Lions jackets, caps and yellow holiday scarves, the entourage of Lions proudly represented Lionism to the thousands of families who lined Santa Clara and First Streets, warmly applauding the service of the Lions as we passed, and to the viewers of KNTV-NBC that televised the parade. Some 125,000 people are estimated to have watched it. A number of our club members’ smiling faces was featured in the broadcast.

The San Jose Holiday Parade is considered one of the top 25 parades in the nation and is annually sponsored by Lions clubs in the San Jose area. This year’s Honorary Grand Marshall was Kristi Yamaguchi and the Grand Marshall was Santa Goofy from the Disneyland Resort.

Prior to the parade Lions from the participating clubs met at the balloon staging area off Santa Clara Street for a fun social hour including hot toddies and donuts. The warmth of Lionism was particularly welcome this year due to an unusually crisp morning. Following the parade, members of our club helped man the A.J. Robinson Health screening unit providing free diabetes screenings to many who watched the parade.

[report by Lion Kent Vincent]