[citation needed] Celebrities and famous locals appear as Grand Marshals and bands from across America participate in the parade.
In the first year the parade consisted of a couple of fire engines, City of San José vehicles and Santa.
The parade featured a handful of units including the San Jose State University Spartan Marching Band, a couple of floats and children’s groups.
[1] In 1987, KNTV, San José’s network affiliate television station, began to broadcast the parade throughout the Bay Area.
In 2006, International Festival and Event professionals honored the San Jose Holiday Parade with the Grand Pinnacle Award.