Are you ready for San Diego’s biggest holiday party? Syracuse will face Washington State in the 2024 DirecTV Holiday Bowl this Friday at Snapdragon Stadium.

This beloved San Diego tradition, now in its 45th year, comes with more than just the annual college football bowl game. There’s also a 5K run, tailgates and, of course, the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade presented by Kaiser Permanente.

Here’s everything you should know about this year’s parade:

What time does the Holiday Bowl Parade start?

This family event — deemed “America’s largest balloon parade” — kicks off Holiday Bowl festivities and takes place along the bayfront in downtown San Diego. According to the Holiday Bowl’s website, more than 100,000 people are expected to attend.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Friday and will feature unique floats, giant balloons, magnificent marching bands and drill teams.

What is the parade route?

The parade route is roughly 1 mile and begins at Harbor Drive and Grape Street. It runs to Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive.

How much does it cost?

You can enjoy the parade for free if you watch it from the side of the street. If you want an optimal view, you can reserve a seat and purchase grandstand tickets for $30 each here.

Grandstands will be located near the start of the parade on the water side of the street at 1400 N Harbor Drive. Accessible seating is available, and children under 3 do not need a ticket.

Re “Mayor Todd Gloria’s massive warehouse shelter will again be debated, but behind closed doors” (Dec. 15): Rather than buy another albatross, the San Diego City Council should consider refurbishing the 101 Ash Street building for a homeless shelter. We already own it! Both the Middleton warehouse and the Ash Street building have issues with lead paint, but more importantly asbestos materials. Use the projected $1 billion in lease agreement funds to do so. There would be plenty of room for supportive services onsite as well as accommodations for the homeless. Mayor Gloria and the City Council shouldn’t even consider spending $1 billion on another property. Utilize the one we already own!

— Katey Hoehn, Escondido