The sidewalks along Sunrise Boulevard will once again be lined with parade-watchers as the city’s 2016 Red, White & Blue Parade takes place on June 25.
The Saturday parade is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will travel along Sunrise Boulevard, starting just north of Madison Avenue and ending near Greenback Lane at the Sunrise Mall.
Traditionally held on the fourth Saturday in June each year, the parade dates back around Citrus Heights’ founding nearly 20 years ago and was originally created as a “happy birthday” to the City, according to Michele Saario, the City’s Event and Community Center Technician. In 2002, Saario said the event became known as the “Red, White & Blue Parade,” due in part to the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.
Organizers said about 70 entries have been received by those wishing to participate in parade this year. Entries typically feature various civic clubs, businesses, bands, car clubs and other groups.
Parade sponsors this year include the City of Citrus Heights, Sunrise Mall, 101.9 The Wolf, Hot 103.5, and Republic Services.
Following the parade, BloodSource will have mobile blood donation stations outside Sunrise Mall near Elephant Bar from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Donors will be offered a free ticket to the California State Fair, according to BloodSource spokeswoman Gayle Graves.
