By Hayden LePore–
The 19th annual Citrus Heights Red, White, and Blue Parade is coming up next month and entries and floats are actively being sought for the event. The popular parade annually draws thousands to Sunrise Boulevard and began as a “happy birthday” celebration for the City of Citrus Heights, before becoming more of a patriotic event after 9/11.
Michele Saario, the city’s event and community center technician, said the parade brings the community together each year and “celebrates the unique diversity within our region” by the variety of entries. The city-sponsored event features dozens of entries and floats every year at the parade, from civic clubs, businesses, and nonprofits, to marching bands, floats, classic cars, and more.
A contest is also typically held before the parade, where different entries are judged. Participants have an opportunity to win up to $100 dollars in cash prizes, along with ribbons and the Mayor’s Award.
Applicants must apply by the June 1 deadline and there is a $20 dollar fee to have an entry at the parade. Applications can be submitted and paid for online at CitrusHeights.net.
From 2017: Thousands fill Sunrise Blvd for annual Red, White & Blue Parade