SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — North Park residents will celebrate this holiday season with an annual tradition intact — at least for one more year.
For 56 years, the Toyland Parade has delighted crowds in North Park during the holiday season. But much like a parade balloon, financial troubles have loomed over organizers.
Last year, the parade was briefly canceled after former-host Victoria House Corporation said it had lost support from sponsors. Then in March 2019, the community learned that a Victoria House Corporation organizer was accused of fraud and pocketing 2018 parade donations and fees after the cancellation.
RELATED:
- North park donut shop defends homeless man
- San Diego deputies share tips to protect your presents
- 10 special holiday events coming to San Diego
North Park Main Street (NPMS), a volunteer-based non-profit, pledged $10,000 to the parade. That donation and monetary support from the community helped 2018's parade continue as planned. NPMS has since taken the parade over, as well.
But the parade is once again in trouble. Angela Landsberg, executive director with North Park Main Street, says support from the local Lions Club has saved 2019's parade, but 2020 is a different story.
"Our presenting sponsor North Park Lions Club have ensured that it's going to go off this year, but if we don't raise enough money this year to get us carried through our planning for next year, because these things take a long time to plan, then this will be the final year," Landsberg told 10News.
The organization is asking for the community to once again step in to make sure the parade steps off on University Avenue next year. Donations are being accepted on the NPMS website here.
The Toyland Parade will start at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, rain or shine.
