It's raining now -- thank you universe. But the skies were even friendlier for not raining on Saturday, which was the day of the Echo Park Christmas Parade. The Echo Park Historical Society had a trunkful of raincoats in a silver rented convertible, but we didn't have to wear them. Instead we got to reveal, and revel in, a miscellany of costumes meant to convey the idea of silent film stars and directors on the 100th (or something) anniversary of Mack Sennett's studio on Glendale Boulevard. Yours truly was Mabel Normand-ish (she hopes). One of our members, dressed as a "producer" in pinstripes and small round sunglasses, held a paper horn, which he used to shout at the "actors": "Get to work, you union scum!" I'm not sure it was heard beyond the car. After a while, our "producer" found a Spanish-language radio station that played ballads, and we turned up the volume.

Over 40 groups joined the parade, which started at Sunset/Elysian Ave. They included a vintage car club -- with about 20 gleaming vehicles, all pre-1950, I think (the MC reminded the crowd that car clubs are a historic Echo Park tradition); and several school-girl dance groups (one of which twirled to a raunchy Lil Wayne song); there was a Shakespeare convertible; and a genuine float, with lotus flowers and men and women in lotus position as meditative music played.

Even though it didn't rain, it was cold and blustery, and I was surprised by how many people lined Sunset Boulevard. I was also surprised that the crowd was almost entirely Latino. Doesn't everyone love a parade? Lots of kids, on both sides of the curtain.

Later that night I talked to a man who was raised in Echo Park. He said he used to go to the Echo Park Christmas Parade in the late '60s and in the '70s. He said in those days it was a big deal. Marching bands from all over the area would march. But instead of stopping at the Brite Spot -- as we all did on Saturday -- the bands would continue to USC.

The parade itself fell by the wayside for many years. (Maybe it went to lunch at the Brite Spot and forgot to come out.) It was revived four years ago. But it was better than revived on Saturday.

If you want to look over your shoulder, the Echo Park Film Center will be showing Super 8 footage of the 1967 Christmas Parade:

Saturday, December 20 –ECHO PARK CHRISTMAS PARADE 1967 and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE plus DOUG HARVEY'S MOLDY SLIDE SHOW - 5 PM. What a wacky and wonderful year it’s been! Join us for EPFC’s last event of 2009… our annual screening of that ol’ holiday classic, It’s A Wonderful Life. Sentimental sobbing encouraged. Also on the bill, a very rare and special treat: incredible Super 8 footage of the 1967 Echo Park Christmas Parade shot by the one and only Mr. Al Kasselman! Neighborhood history at its finest! And for those who have been both naughty and nice, a very special presentation of Doug Harvey’s Moldy Slide Show. FREE EVENT! EGGNOG, COOKIES AND REINDEER TREATS IN ATTENDANCE!

I'm sure the reindeer treats alone are worth the price of admission, as if a "Moldy Slide Show" couldn't be.