The Lompoc Flower Festival and Parade brought out hundreds of spectators

LOMPOC, Calif. -- Hundreds of people gathered for the 2023 Lompoc Flower Festival and Parade.

The Festival was made possible by Santa Barbara County funding, sponsors and volunteers.

People were most excited to have the parade back after three years.

Families and friends gathered to watch their loved ones in the parade.

This year there was 47 floats and acts.

Emily Vargas Smith is the owner of Vargas Jewelry in Lompoc.

She says she has lived in Lompoc since 1935 and watched the very first parade in 1973.

Vargas has been the Grand Marshall two years in a row but was unable to be in the parade due to COVID-19 cancellations.

This year, she was honored for past Grand Marshall title and was part of the parade.

“It made me feel wonderful. To see all my friends signing on the street, clapping and waving. And there's no better feeling," said Vargas.

Her great-grandson was a spectator, supporting her.

“It's nice to see the community coming back together and putting something together. That's been a long time coming," said Ruben.