Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce and Optimist Club partner to present family-friendly evening parade
Courtesy photo.
SANTA PAULA — Santa Paula’s cherished holiday tradition returns as the 75th Annual Santa Paula Holiday Parade lights up Main Street on Friday, November 28, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM — one of the only nighttime parades in Ventura County with nearly 50 floats and vehicles lit up with holiday cheer. This year’s parade honors Grand Marshal Rey Frutos, known in the community for his lifelong dedication, mentorship, and positive impact on generations of Santa Paula youth. His leadership and commitment to service embody the true spirit of the holidays — giving back and lifting others.
The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Santa Paula Optimist Club and the City’s Parks & Recreation Department to present this year’s milestone parade. Longtime parade organizer and Optimist member Ron Merson joins the holiday parade committee as Co-Chair, ensuring that this landmark event continues to shine as a joyful celebration of Santa Paula’s spirit, heritage and unity.
The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce honored Rey Frutos with the Sam Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Chamber Awards ceremony. With more than 50 years of dedication to Santa Paula Little League Baseball, Frutos has helped generations of local youth learn not only the game but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Frutos’s service to Santa Paula extends beyond the school grounds. A proud Vietnam veteran, he served honorably in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment-known as the Blackhorse Regiment-and continues to support fellow veterans through his leadership and involvement in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).
“Rey Frutos represents the very best of Santa Paula,” offers parade co-chair Ron Merson, “He has touched countless lives through his service, membership, and kindness. It is an honor to have him lead this year’s parade.”
Santa Paula, known as the Citrus Capital of the World, is located in the heart of the Santa Clara River Valley. Visitors can stroll along historic Main Street, explore the vintage Santa Paula Airport, stay at the famed Glen Tavern Inn, and experience the Santa Paula Train Depot, rail bike experience and Railroad Plaza Park, plus the largest collection of historic residential and commercial buildings in Ventura County..
Special thanks to the sponsors of this parade: Limoneira, Athens, So Cal Edison, Bunnin Chevrolet, Port of Hueneme, Ventura County Credit Union, Santa Paula Times, DSR Audio, White Rabbit Magic, Premium Printing and the Property Business Improvement District.
The 75th annual Santa Paula holiday parade kicks off a series of holiday events in Santa Paula including the weekly Odd Fellows Train Display and followed by Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 29. The parade will stream on Spectrum Channel 10. For more details and parade application information, visit: Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce or contact Ron Merson at santapaulaparades@hotmail.com.
Click here for the Press Release PDF
Click here for the Holiday Parade Application