Sign Up to Walk in Children’s Fiesta Parade

The City of Santa Barbara’s Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting entry forms for participation in this year’s Children’s Fiesta Parade.

The parade, to be held on Saturday, August 2, is now in its 84th year, and has been a community tradition for generations of children. Each year, new families join families who have proudly participated in the Children’s Fiesta Parade for more than five generations. Parents, families, and friends create and decorate their own floats, carts and wagons for their children.

There are no motorized or battery-operated vehicles used in the parade; only foot power is allowed. Children and parents typically dress in colorful Spanish and Mexican costumes, often bringing chickens, goats, ponies, dogs, and other small animals with them to add to the fun.

An entry can be one family of three, a family of siblings or cousins, an entire neighborhood, dance schools, special clubs or groups. There is room for every child in the parade, and there is no cost to participate.

The public is invited to view this delightful parade on Saturday, August 2nd starting at 10:00 a.m. on State Street at Sola Street. The parade ends at State and Ortega Streets, where each child participating will receive an ice cream treat. The Children’s Fiesta Parade is funded by a generous grant from the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation; ice cream is provided by MarBorg Industries.

How to Sign Up Families wishing to participate must fill out a sign-up form and return it by Friday, July 4.

Please print the forms and return them by placing them in the front door mail slot at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices at 620 Laguna Street in Santa Barbara or fax them to 805-564-5480.

Folks can access the application here:

http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=16907