I arrived right around 1pm for the 6pm parade. I arrived extra early because many of the streets in the area get blocked off as the day goes by.
Shortly thereafter, William Miyamoto and Gordon Tarpley arrived. William would be driving his Bumblebee car with the Star Cars, while Gordon would be joining my R2-D2, as C-3PO. We were also joined by Darren Moser, who would be marching in the parade with the Southern California 501st Garrison.
With a lot of time to kill, we checked out the cars (including William's shiny yellow Bumblebee), and then grabbed a bite to eat at Johnny Rockets.
On our way back, we stopped in front of the Chinese Theater, where R2-D2's, C-3PO's and Darth Vader's footprints live. William has costumed as Darth Vader in the past, so we each filled the footprints of our respective characters.
Before we knew it, it was time to get set up. Gordon unpacked his pile of C-3PO costume, and we got ready.
We were joined by Chewbacca (Frank), and made our way to the beginning of the red carpet, on Hollywood and Orange. The three characters would only be going 1 city block, ending up at Hollywood and Highland, before making our way back to the parking structure while the rest of the Star Wars characters would be continuing on the 3+ mile parade route.
The Star Wars clubs were #19 in line, so while we waited, I took various pictures, including one of Grand Marshall Jeremy Renner's car, and another when William drove by.
When Dodgers pitcher Landon Knack's car drove by, I yelled, "Landon, thank you for the championship!". He yelled back, "You're welcome!"
Almost exactly an hour after the parade started, the Star Wars clubs arrived. The 501st was in front, with the Rebel Legion following them. We were to jump in just in front of the Rebel Legion.
As usual, I don't have many pictures until after we were done, but I usually come back later and add some pictures/video, so something should materialize. I "borrowed" this pic from Sandra Collamore as we were wrapping up by Highland.
We headed down the scary alley, back to the parking structure. Inevitably we are stopped for photos, and oblige.
One last quick pic before we wrapped up.
And after the fact, here are a couple of pictures from the telecast on the CW network from Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 8PM PST.
It was a great (and thankfully uneventful) parade. Hopefully R2 and I will be back again.
