World War II paratrooper Tom Rice to serve as Grand Marshal
By Miriam Raftery
November 13, 2018 (El Cajon) – The Mother Goose Parade, El Cajon’s most cherished tradition for 72 years, will roll out on Sunday, November 18th starting at 1 p.m. in downtown EL Cajon.
The theme this year is “The Sky’s The Limit!” The parade’s Grand Marshal Tom Rice, a 96 year-old World War II Veteran and a former Army paratrooper. He flew over the skies of Normandy on D-Day on June 6, 1944, as part of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, called the “Screaming Eagles.” He's been awarded both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart!
In addition to elaborate floats, marching bands, giant inflatable balloon characters, clowns and equestrian entries, there’s also a star-studded cast of child and adult celebrities in the line-up.
Topping the list are Brandon Tyler Russell, best known for his role as Dr. Gregory Williams (aka Baby George/Baby O’Malley) on Grey’s Anatomy, Colton Shires from the daytime soap “Passions,” and two-time Emmy Award winner Vincent DePaul best known for his role as Father Leon on The Bay, British feature film star Scott Butler. (photos)
Other celebrities include actress Addie Doyle, the musical group Ochoa Boyz, actor/writer/producer Jacob Kyle Young, Karina Michel best known from “Shark Tank,” and child actor Grayson Fitzpatrick.
Celebrities may also be found signing autographs after the parade at Downtown Café and Urbn Pizza.
Get details on the parade route and full biographies of all celebrities at www.MotherGooseParade.org .