Sentinel staff report–
The sidewalks along Sunrise Boulevard will once again be lined with parade-watchers as the city’s 2018 Red, White & Blue Parade takes place on June 23.
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 at Sunrise Mall. A pancake breakfast will also be served for $5, provided by the Citrus Heights Rotary Club, according to a parade flier.
The annual event typically features 50-100 parade entries and floats, and draws several thousand attendees from Citrus Heights and surrounding areas. Drivers should be aware that Sunrise Boulevard between Madison Avenue and Greenback Lane will be closed for several hours on the morning of the parade.
Last year’s parade featured two skydivers dropped from a plane, along with a special float to celebrate the city’s 20th birthday. Other parade floats and entries typically feature various civic clubs, businesses, bands, car clubs and other groups.
Traditionally held on the fourth Saturday in June each year, the parade dates back around Citrus Heights’ founding two decades ago and was originally created as a “happy birthday” to the city. The event became known as the “Red, White & Blue Parade” in 2002, due in part to the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.
Parade sponsors this year include the City of Citrus Heights, Sunrise Mall and Sunrise MarketPlace, 101.9 The Wolf, Hot 103.5, and 99.9 Air 1.
