MSN_122018

6 | December 20, 2018 | Malibu surfside news news
malibusurfsidenews.com
Annual Woodie Parade again brings locals together
Barbara Burke
Freelance Reporter
The 15th annual Woodie
Parade merged new and old
identities this year, serving
as a homecoming for some
displaced attendees as well
as a nostalgic tradition for
many.
“It feels like I’m home
again as I attend this event
today and I can feel the
love, comfort, and friendship
from people,” said
attendee Christine Carter
Conway, who lost her Point
Dume home in the Woolsey
Fire. “We’re going to be fine
and we’ll work together to
rebuild and the parade helps
me realize that ‘home’ is
about community — it’s not
just about a house.”
The merry event attracted
20 drivers — and many admirers
— of the vintage surf
cars, which proceeded from
Paradise Cove Beach Cafe
to Malibu Village on Dec.
9. Several of the parade
participants had brunch at
Paradise Cove “to give the
restaurant some business
right after the fire, and also
to recognize that the restaurant
fed first responders,”
participant Richard Henning
explained.
As the cars rolled in
and parked, gleaming and
colorfully decorated, curious
onlookers strolled past
them, noting special details
about each one. Some
had colorful wreaths on
their front fenders. Others
had license plates with
clever messages such as
“Oldie, But Woodie.” Others
sported stuffed Santas
and other stuffed animals,
carefully positioned on vehicle
seats and in front of
steering wheels. Still others
were adorned with colorful,
glittering regalia. All were
unique and intriguing.
Dougger Anderson puts a finishing touch on his 1946 woodie during the Dec. 9 Woodie Parade. Photos by Suzy Demeter/22nd Century Media
The Hodads perform at Malibu Village as part of the 15th annual event.
“These are world-class
woodies that are very well
maintained,” John Ferry
said in an admiring tone.
“You can’t often find this
many of them in one spot.”
Event organizer John
Zambetti happily surveyed
the entourage.
“Andy Cohen’s ’39
woodie is the oldest entrant
in the parade,” he said almost
reverently, as he eyed
the gleaming vehicle that
exists at the glorious intersection
of machinery and
artwork.
Dogs ran to and fro, often
pursued by gleeful toddlers
who were trailed by pursuing
adults trying to keep up.
Attendee Thelma DiBianca,
94 years young, who
once owned a woodie with
her late husband, smiled
broadly as she took in the
whole affair.
The very well-attended
event featured a quintessential
surf band, the Hodads,
who played favorite
tunes in the background,
including “Two Girls for
Every Boy,” and “Let’s Go
Surfing Now.”
Attendees also enjoyed
fare donated by Marmalade
Restaurant, Malibu Burger
Company and Malibu
Farm, and beverages compliments
of Potek Winery.
Children made miniwoodie
holiday ornaments,
and attendees took pictures
of a surfing Santa who
good-naturedly perched
precariously on a surfboard
inset in a psychedelic surf
booth.
Volunteers from the Malibu
Boys and Girls Club
helped those who lost their
homes to the fire to apply for
assistance. State Sen. Henry