The story goes that Santa Claus visits every house on Christmas Eve. Well, his pre-yuletide itinerary certainly isn't that complete this year.
The jolly old one will attend holiday events in Roseville on Saturday – including that city's annual parade – but Sacramento's annual Santa Parade has been canceled.
The event, always run on the Thanksgiving weekend, has been called off for the first time in the event's 26-year history, said parade organizer Laurie Hensley.
The decision to cancel the privately organized event was prompted when organizers came up $15,000 short for stages, sound equipment and cash prizes for parade participants, Hensley said.
"We're a trickle-down casualty of the financial mess," Hensley said.
She said she's getting out the news to the 60 groups scheduled to participate in the parade, including school bands, youth groups and equestrian organizations.
Hensley said planning has already started for, hopefully, Santa's return to Sacramento in 2009.
Anyone interested in helping with the 2009 Santa Parade can call (916) 451-6200.
In Roseville, however, the Sylvia Besana Annual Holiday Parade is ready to roll at 10 a.m. Saturday.
It will begin at Riverside Avenue and Douglas Boulevard and Vernon Street, proceed along Vernon Street and end behind the Roseville Square shopping center.
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