Black History Parade canceled in Orange County

Organizers of Orange County’s annual Black History Parade have canceled Saturday’s event, saying they couldn’t raise enough money to cover its cost.

The procession of floats, school bands and community leaders through Santa Ana began in 1979 as a modest affair but had grown in recent years to include more than 100 entries.

But the parade’s sponsor, the Orange County Black Historical Commission, said the poor economy made it impossible to raise the $50,000 to $60,000 needed to cover police, cleanup and other costs. Organizers hope to revive the parade next year.

-- Mike Anton