Holiday Bowl Balloon Parade

Today was my first time at this parade. I really enjoyed it, we left early from Carlsbad (at 7.40) got to Downtown by 8.15, parked on the street and walked over for breakfast at Richard Walkers Pancake house, afterwards walked a short distance to the parade, near the area where it ended by Pacific Highway and Harbor. We got there at around 10.15, which was great since the parade was just starting to arrive at this point and were able to get a spot just with one row of people in front of us, which were actually sitting, so we had a perfect view. We were quite lucky, since I noticed that most viewing spots had about 4 – 6 rows of people in front. The balloons were great and the marching bands. My only complaint is that there was a lot of spacing between balloons and between marching bands so at times we would wait for several minutes before the next part of the parade came around. This may be a result of just being by the very end of the parade route. I also wish it had more balloons or people participating, then it would be even better! The kids and I enjoyed it quite a bit, and would definitely see it again.

This is my 2^nd time in 3 years. I’ve been lucky to have the day off to bring my girls and it is a free event that you can bring the kids to enjoy. I love hearing the bands playing and seeing the girls faces as the balloons come by. We parked about 5 blocks away and the meters take quarters. 5 quarters for 1 hour of parking. I enjoyed both times.