Santa Paula’s holiday tradition returns with the 75th Annual Santa Paula Holiday Parade, lighting up Main Street on Friday, Nov. 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This festive event is one of the only nighttime parades in Ventura County and features nearly 50 floats and vehicles illuminated with holiday cheer.
This year’s parade honors Grand Marshal Rey Frutos, a respected community member known for his lifelong dedication, mentorship, and positive impact on generations of Santa Paula youth. Frutos’ leadership and commitment to service embody the true spirit of the holidays—giving back and lifting others.
The Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Santa Paula Optimist Club and the city’s Parks & Recreation Department to present this milestone parade. Longtime parade organizer and Optimist member Ron Merson joins the holiday parade committee as Co-Chair, ensuring this landmark event continues to shine as a joyful celebration of Santa Paula’s spirit, heritage, and unity.
At the 2025 Chamber Awards ceremony, the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce honored Rey Frutos with the Sam Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award. 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.
“Rey Frutos represents the very best of Santa Paula,” said 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 rides, and Railroad Plaza Park. The city is also home to the largest collection of historic residential and commercial buildings in Ventura County.
Special thanks to the parade sponsors: 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 Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29.
The parade will be streamed live on Spectrum Channel 10. For more details, visit the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce website or contact Ron Merson at [email protected].
https://scvnews.com/nov-28-75th-annual-santa-paula-holiday-parade-honors-rey-frutos/