VISTA, CA – November 21, 2025 – It’s official! The Vista Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Vista, is once more hosting one of North County’s most beloved events – Vista’s 67th Annual Christmas Parade! The theme this year is “Rockin’ Around Vista – A Parade of Holiday Hits”. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on December 6th near The Wave Waterpark and winds its way through Downtown Vista. With its musical theme this year, selecting Rancho Buena Vista High School’s long-time Band Director Eric Weirather as the Parade Grand Marshall was the perfect choice. Weirather is also a 2023 VUSD Teacher of the Year and Golden Apple Award Winner.
“Eric is ideal as our Grand Marshall for this year’s parade,” says Chamber Community Events Director Kent Leithold.
“He is an icon in our community and has filled so many hearts with music in his 26 years at RBV. Thousands of former band students and families have so many fond memories of Mr. Weirather.”
“This honor humbles me,” says Weirather. “I have amazing people who have supported me and our efforts through the years – my staff, our principal, folks at the district level, and especially all of my students and their families,” he says. “I love our students. They are hard-working and know what it takes to do well. We have earned a lot of recognition and trophies through the years, but the most important thing is developing young adults with character.”
For the last 10 years, Weirather has brought together both RBV’s and Vista High School’s marching bands for the Christmas Parade. “We have a morning rehearsal, eat lunch together and head over to the parade,” he says. “Whatever rivalry there may be on the sports field between the two schools is nowhere to be seen for this annual event. Our band students treat each other like brothers and sisters and look forward to entertaining the crowds together with their combined efforts,” he says.
On a special note, a major band competition had to be cancelled recently due to inclement weather. This event typically generates $40,000 for band activities and expenses. If you’d like to donate to help RBV High School’s band and Mr. Weirather’s efforts to make up their loss, please donate www.rbvband.org
For more details regarding the parade, which is sponsored by North County Ford, Children’s Paradise Preschool and Infant Centers, and Fix Auto Vista, please visit www.vistachamber.or
