Thousands Flock To Downtown San Jose For Holiday Parade

SAN JOSE (KCBS) -- Thousands got in the holiday spirit on Sunday in downtown San Jose for the 29th Annual Holiday Parade.

But despite the festive mood, the future of one of the largest holiday parades in Northern California remains bleak.

KCBS' Tim Ryan Reports:

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed said the annual city sponsorship of approximately $300,000 may have to come to an end because of the tough economic times.

"This is a great event. People love it. We have tens of thousands of people out here. It's a wonderful thing," Reed said. "But it's very expensive to produce and these are tough budget times. Difficult decisions have to be made and we're always looking for funding and sponsorships. It may be possible to save it, we're going to work on it."

Longtime parade attendee Kevin Powell of Santa Clara said somehow, some way, this parade must go on.

"That would be terrible. We've been to every one since 1992. We've never missed one. It would be terrible if they got rid of it," he said.

San Jose faced a record $118 million general fund deficit in the last fiscal year and Reed said they are expecting a close to $90 million gap in the coming year.

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