DEL MAR — Recent announcement that the Escondido Jaycees has cancelled its Christmas parade after more than 50 years is a sad testament to the fact that once-vibrant Jaycees, a national organization with chapters throughout the country, are fading into history.

Young men returning from World War II service were anxious to get involved in their community and the Jaycees filled that bill. It caters to men (and more recently women) up to 36 years of age.

San Dieguito Jaycees originated the annual Jumping Frog preliminary at Del Mar in advance of the famed Jumping Frog Jubilee at Angels Camp and in the process contributed thousands of dollars to the American Cancer Society.

An annual Valentine dance reached a climax in 1956 when it attracted l,500 paid attendees to Bing Crosby Hall at the fairgrounds.

Without question, its most significant community project was founding the 120-acre San Dieguito County Park in Solana Beach that now attracts thousands of visitors every week.

Elsewhere, San Diego Jaycees during their heyday sponsored the Miss San Diego competition, the first step toward the Miss California Pageant.

El Cajon Jaycees originated the East San Diego County Fair that was formidable competition to the County Fair at Del Mar, particularly in the livestock department.

Blithe Jaycees acquired property along the river and staged the Colorado River Country Fair that continues under state sponsorship.

Oceanside Jaycees presented July 4 events and more recently had a hand in the Harbor Days celebration.

The late Sen. Bill Craven served as a national Jaycee director when he was a member of the Oceanside group and is credited with much of the success of Palomar College.

The late Paul T. Mannen, the only two-term president of the San Diego Jaycees later became manager of the San Diego County Fair.

Sadly, San Dieguito Jaycees are no longer active.