Apple Blossom Parade and Festival Memories

It’s that time of year again … time for the Apple Blossom Parade and Festival! This year, the theme of the 73rd annual parade and festival is It Takes a Village to Blossom celebrating the rich diversity of our West County community.

The parade starts at 10am on Main Street on Saturday, April 13th and the festival takes place the 13th and 14th at Ives Park. You can find out all the information about this weekend’s festivities at https://www.appleblossomfest.com/ Check out the amazing music lineup, parade, exhibitors and food and drink offerings.

One of my favorite parade memories was when our children were in elementary school and their class was in the parade. My wife helped them make flower costumes for the kids. It was a foam rubber flower with a hole cut out in the middle for their heads. The foam was painted and they looked great. Unfortunately at parade time it was very cold and rainy that year. In spite of the rain all the kids had a great time with their families and friends cheering them along the parade route. The parade is such a great family event!

Doug McCorkle, Partner B2B CFO®

While my partner and I have not attended one in the past, we are  excited to attend this one. The past pictures show a lot of youth involvement and leadership, which is terrific! Our youth bring a lot of diversity to our city, which is always important. This years' poster was designed by our artists at Analy and it is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing everyone out at the parade and festival. Cheers!

Stephen Zollman

I grew up in Sebastopol and this was probably the first Apple Blossom Parade I walked it.  As a child growing up in Sebastopol I was in the Parade every year until I was a senior in high school.  I walked in the parade twirling a baton, rode on several 4-H floats, walked with my Bobby Sox team mates, and marched with the Analy Band.  Last year was the first time I walked in the parade since I was a senior in high school where I carried the Chamber of Commerce banner.  This year I will be riding in a car as Citizen of the Year!

Mia Del Prete, Director of Human Resources, WSCUHSD

I’ve attended the parade every year since my daughter was in Kindergarten and her school had a float in the parade. It was so much fun to see all participation from local schools and clubs. My kids enjoy starting the day pancake breakfast served at Analy High School and every year it seems they end up participating in the parade in some way! Last year, they got to lead the parade in the pacing cart with Linda Collins. They had so much fun and felt so important!

Paul Butkus, Farmers Insurance