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Howl-O-Ween Parade returns to Citrus Heights

Howl-o-Ween
Citrus Heights Community Marching Band members march during a Howl-o-Ween parade on Oct. 16, on Auburn Boulevard. // M. Hazlip

By Mike Hazlip—
The annual Howl-O-Ween parade, a Citrus Heights tradition for almost a decade, is back after last year’s absence due to pandemic restrictions.

The Oct. 16 event drew hundreds of people and pets to Rusch Park Saturday. More than 100 classic vehicles were parked on the grass and vendor booths lined the basketball court.

The parade kicked off at 9 a.m. with a procession of Citrus Heights police vehicles followed by the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band. The procession made its way south along Auburn Boulevard from Twin Oaks Avenue to Rusch Park.

“The parade entries were full of color, life, and energy,” Band Director Kody Tickner said, noting about 30 entries in this year’s parade. “We were excited to have them all come out and entertain our community.”

While entries were down from prior parades, attendance was up. Tickner said the last parade drew about 60 entries, and organizers hope next year will see similar numbers as previous years.

Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins said Saturday’s parade attendance showed the community “is ready to have some fun and get together and start having community events” and said she was happy to see the event going well.

Future plans for the Citrus Heights Community Marching Band include a grand opening for the organization’s new practice hall. The building is named in honor of the band’s founder, the late Kathy Cook. Cook passed away on Aug. 25 after a long battle with stomach cancer, the band said in a statement following her passing.

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