Third Avenue businesses prepare for the Starlight Parade in Chula Vista

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) – Downtown Chula Vista’s Starlight Parade returns Saturday as the city celebrates its 60th^Th Year of the popular South Bay tradition.

The parade returned in 2023 after a three-year hiatus.

On Friday, business owners along Third Avenue prepared for the busy day, which for many is one of the biggest days of the year.

Mariana Cardenas is the owner of The Balboa South Bar and Grill on Third Avenue. She and her staff say they are prepared for the rush.

“When we’re staffed up, we get comfortable shoes, prepare more food and just get ready to rock ‘n’ roll,” Cardenas said.

Families who attend Saturday can see the parade floats, musical performances and a movie at the Memorial Bowl.

The hope is that families will also spend their money along Third Avenue.

“Special events like these around the holidays are so important because they provide a fresh look at our commercial businesses and, in this case, downtown Chula Vista,” said Dominic Limandri, district director of the Downtown Chula Vista Association. The club helped the city revive the parade in 2023.

According to the city, over 50,000 people participated in the parade in 2023.

Starlight Parade activities begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and the parade begins at 6:00 p.m