One sure sign it’s Christmastime in Whittier: its hometown parade is all set to go.

The 70th Uptown Whittier Christmas Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday with actress Belissa Escobedo serving as grand marshal. Escobedo stars in “Happy’s Place,” a comedy on NBC also starring Reba McEntire. Escobedo also had a role in “Hocus Pocus 2.”

“We selected Belissa Escobedo as our grand marshal because we believe she is a rising star in her industry and an inspiration to young people across Los Angeles County,” said Justin Tipton, executive director of the Uptown Whittier Association. “She exemplifies how hard work can lead to incredible opportunities. Additionally, she has ties to Whittier, as it was once her home while living with her family.”

More than 100 parade entries, from marching bands to cheer squads, dance groups, Scout and school troops and car clubs, will line up along the parade route, beginning at Hadley Street on Greenleaf Avenue, continuing down to Mar Vista Street, before turning left on Mar Vista and ending at Washington Boulevard.

Tipton said the parade’s 70th anniversary is a milestone to celebrate.

“To look back and know that the Whittier Uptown Association and its volunteers started this event over 70 years ago is something special, and I hope the past generations who had a part in the parade are proud that this tradition continues in the community; they love enough to donate their time and energy,” he said.

Tipton said the best way to support this Whittier tradition is to visit one of the area’s restaurants, retailers, or service providers.

“These small businesses have demonstrated resilience through the challenges of the pandemic and a tough economy,” he said. “Small businesses remain the backbone of our country, and there’s no better way to support them than by shopping, dining, or even getting that holiday haircut right here in Uptown Whittier.”

Last year, the parade drew 26,000 attendees, and organizers hope to entice more to line Uptown streets and cheer for the parade. The event also drew on volunteers such as the Whittier School District Dads Club, Victory Outreach Church, and board members of the Whittier Uptown Association. Other Santa’s helpers include staff from the city, members of the Whittier Police Department, groups such as the Dukes car club, which donated time and vehicles, as well as the local Boys and Girl Scouts of Whittier, who will serve as banner carriers.

The parade is at the tail end of a holiday season that has already featured the city’s Letters to Santa campaign, Santa’s Village in Uptown Whittier, the tree-lighting at City Hall on Dec. 2, Rick’s Grand Illumination on Friday, Cookies with Santa on Saturday, the Holiday Sonata on Saturday and a Christmas Singalong with a Wurlitzer organ at Whittier High School on Sunday.

On the heels of the Christmas parade is the 25th anniversary production of “The Nutcracker” produced by Claylee’s Dance Academy and the city of Whittier. The curtain will rise for this Whittier tradition at 7 p.m. on Dec. 19-21; and 2 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the Whittier Community Theatre, 7630 Washington Ave. Tickets are $26.87. For more information, call 562-567-9430.

And the city is also organizing a trip to the 136th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. For more information, visit cityofwhittier.org or call 562-567-9430.