Chatsworth Celebrates at Biggest Party of the Year

Sitting on street corners, chairs and city benches, crowds from all over the West Valley cheered marchers in the 27th Annual Candyland-themed Chatsworth Holiday Parade on Devonshire Street.

Sponsored by the Chatsworth Kiwanis Club, the parade kicked off at 1 p.m., Sunday, with a performance by the Chatsworth High School Drill Team and Marching Band who captured the audience's attention with a performance of Joy to the World. They wwre followed by America's Best Taiko Drum School, Davis Horse Ranch and the All Mustang and Ford Car Club.

KTLA 5 journalists Glen Walker and Vera Jimenez greeted the crowd as Grand Marshals. Jimenez made the parade even sweeter for children as she handed out candy from her open car.

"We enjoy it, it's great for the kids," said Lee Ness, who attended the parade with her 5- and 4-year-old boys. "We love the horses."

She and her boys enjoyed the equestrian appearances by the Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team, ETI Corral 54, and L.A. County Sheriff Department Mounted Posse.

Children were big participants in the parade as well. Local middle and high school marching bands, child dance classes and martial arts studios all performed for the crowd.

"I like to see the little ones out, especially the little dance troops," said Chatsworth resident James Cunningham, who is a professor emeritus at CSUN. He says he tries to make the parade every year to see the children and his other little pleasure, old cars. "I want one," he says.

After the parade wrapped around 2 p.m., many in the crowd joined the party at the holiday festival at the Chatsworth Train Depot. People strolled all day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoying food, live performances, and handmade items for sale.  Usually the festival is held on Devonshire Street at the end of the parade route, but this year was the first year the festival was located at the Train Depot to encourage more business in the Chatsworth Corridor and more convenience for participants.

"It's more central to the community," said Nick Montano, parade chairperson and lieutenant governor of the Chatsworth Kiwanis Club. "They don't have to go to the end of the parade to enjoy the festival."

Vendors found the festival to be a great economic opportunity, and introduction to the community, he said.

"I'm just starting with everything and this is the second show I've done so I'm getting more exposure," said Angelina Montes, who makes customized gift baskets and handmade scarves and jewelry. This was her first year at the festival.

"It's amazing," said Sarra Tsiatso, who debuted her traveling jewelry and accessories boutique Haute Box that she started with her business partner Leslie Goodman three months ago. "We've had great weather. I'm just taking it all in because this is a first."

Food vendors sold tasty treats that blanketed the festival with delicious aromas. Nachos, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and jambalaya were some of the lunch items for sale along with Italian and Polish sausage. And people cooled off from the 78-degree day with beer, Piña Colada drinks and Hawaiian shaved ice.

"People won't come without the food!" said Terri Tommerdahl, 49, who grew up in Chatsworth and says she enjoys the unique crafts and other things available at the fair. "There are friendly people and the animals are really great," she said.

Monica Generalao, 24, a Pierce College student says she tries to attend both events every year with her sister.

"Every year I like it, it doesn't matter if its completely different," she said.

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