Families and friends gathered with community leaders, school bands and youth organizations to celebrate the holiday season as the annual Peninsula Parade of Lights wound its way along Silver Spur Road and through The Promenade on the Peninsula.

This year’s Grand Marshall was Palos Verdes Peninsula High School alumni and lifetime Peninsula resident, Petros Papadakis. Papadakis, a mainstay in the Southern California sports media market, and developed his popularity with sports fans for his post-game commentary and for hosting various sports radio talk shows, currently as the co-host of the Petros and Money Show on AM 570 LA Sports. Papadakis’ larger than life personality has thrust him on the national stage as he serves as a collegiate football analyst for Fox Sports.

*Petros Papadakis and the Rolling Hills Estates Mayor and City Council recognize Papadakis for serving as the Parade’s Grand Marshal.*

At the gathering with city officials and other state and local prior to the parade, Papadakis expressed his gratitude to the organizing committee for his selection as Grand Marshal. Also, he especially thanked the committee for the opportunity for he and his family to meet the mayor of Palos Verdes Estates (PVE) and city councilmembers since they recently relocated to their new home in PVE.

*Community leader and volunteer, Robert Medawar, and his wife, Shelia.*

Local jeweler, Robert Medawar was selected as the Community Grand Marshal. Medawar’s selection recognizes his community leadership and his countless hours serving as a community volunteer. Medawar is a long-time member of the community and originally established Medawar Fine Jewelers in Rolling Hills Estates in 1980. The Rolling Hills Estates Mayor and City Council echoed that Medawar has become a cornerstone of local business and community engagement. Earlier in the year, Medawar’s community service was acknowledged by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce as he was bestowed with the honor of Citizen of the Year.

*State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi and his family.*

Mayors and city council members from the cities of PVE, Rolling Hills Estates, and Rancho Palos Verdes rode along the parade route in a variety of vehicles. Other community leaders and members of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District also greeted parade goers along the route.

*Rolling Hills Estates Mayor and Council Members*

*Rancho Palos Verdes Councilmembers and City Leaders*

*Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor, Steve Cruikshank, with Torrance City Councilmember, Sharon Kalani*

*Palos Verdes Estates Mayor, Dann Murdock*

All along the parade route marching bands, synchronize dance groups, and folklorico dancers treated those gather along the parade route with performances. Among other groups participating in the festivities were a variety of community organizations, community youth groups, scouting troops and others.

*Even the Friends of the Library took a little time to make a little noise to celebrate the holidays.*

Of course, no holiday parade would be complete without an appearance by Santa Claus. This year parade goers greeted Santa with cheers and well wishes as he made his way along the route in a single horse drawn carriage.

Small children left in the arms of their parents dreaming of the Christmas while older children and adults made their way back to their vehicles with another year’s worth of holiday memories and voices could heard along the way wishing, “ Happy Holidays to One and All!”

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE

Steve Tabor

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.

Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com