Hollywood parade survives, but where's the A list?

The Hollywood Christmas Parade -- er, the Hollywood Santa Parade -- gets underway today. The parade almost died because of declining attendance, a lack of TV syndication money and a dearth of stars. We'll see how many people show up tonight. But today's headliner perhaps isn't the A-lister some had been hoping for. Demi Lovato? Demi, it turns out, is almost a Jonas Brother. Details from City News Service:

Santa Claus is coming to town today for the annual Hollywood Santa Parade and Winterfest, which will include performances from Disney Channel actress and singer Demi Lovato. The parade will begin at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue at 5 p.m. Winterfest, an all-day street festival, will start at 11 a.m. Lovato, who costars on Disney's "Camp Rock'' with the Jonas Brothers, will perform. The parade will include marching bands, equestrian units and floats. "This year's Hollywood holiday festivities will bring family entertainment to the boulevard in a fresh, exciting format,'' said City Council President Eric Garcetti. "We are very pleased to announce we are working with Radio Disney and the participation of some of today's hottest young talents like Demi Lovato. It's going to be a great way to start the holiday season.''

--Shelby Grad

Photo: Late 'Hollywood mayor' Johnny Grant.  Los Angeles Times.

Comments

[Santa Hans]

Is this year's parade going to be televised?

[Jeanne Vaughan]

When will the Hollywood Santa Parade be on television, it's happening right now, but it's not on TV anywhere that I can find... will it be televised at a later time? If you find out, please let me know... always enjoyed going as a child, but life too far away now, and was hoping it would be on KTLA or KTTV, but it's not... can you find out??? Thanks so much... and happy holidays...

[C. Sousa]

I recently moved to LA and was looking forward to seeing this parade. It was big news in the SF Bay Area last year. I bought the Nov. 30 Sunday LA TImes and there was no mention of it. I did an internet search and the only references are to previous year's parade. Pathetic. Whoever is in charge of promoting this parade needs to hit the road. And why was it held during Thanksgiving weekend? Geez, can't we catch our breath? LA, you should be embarrassed.