By Robert Haugh
The beloved 55th Santa Clara Parade of Champions takes place this Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Historic Downtown. Festivities are scheduled 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A community village with information booths from community organizations and sponsors plus activities and food trucks will occur 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Franklin Street between Jefferson and Monroe.
The parade features marching bands, dignitaries in historic convertibles, floats, community groups and more. The parade is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Former Miss Santa Clara Melissa Gialdini will perform the National Anthem.
POP ROCKS will perform at the popular Street Dance from 1:30 to 4:45 p.m.
The Parade was once the second-largest parade in California.
The Parade of Champions started in 1945 when it welcomed home WWII Heroes — by founders Larry Marsalli and Ed Cunha and their fiscal partner YMI (Young Men’s Institute) for 50 years. The YMI Parade of Champions lasted until 1995 when its founders retired.
The Parade has a history of celebrating Veterans, front line community heroes, Police and Fire, Chamber and community leaders, School clubs, sports, and youth groups. Over the years, the Parade has featured Hollywood entertainment, clowns, equestrians, World Champions and Olympic Gold Medalists.
Some of those celebrated over the years include Olympian Mark Spitz, Oakland A’s legend Carney Lansford and many others.
There’s plenty of champions to celebrate in Santa Clara. Cheers to Santa Clara’s champions.
Street Closures
Several roads will be closed due to the festivities:
- Market Street between Madison Street and Washington Street
- Monroe Street between Benton Street and Homestead Road.
- Harrison Street between Monroe Street and Lafayette Street
- Fremont Street between Monroe Street and Lafayette Street
- Washington Street between Lewis Street and Benton Street and Market Street to Lafayette Street
- Monroe Street between Harrison Street and Manchester Drive
- Franklin Street between Jefferson Street and Monroe Street
- From 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Homestead Road will be closed from Monroe Street to Jackson Street
- From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. no residential “in and out” along the parade route.
