By Robert Haugh

Santa Clara’s 56th annual Parade of Champions returns Saturday, October 4, 2025, with an all-day celebration spotlighting local heroes, Olympic athletes, and community leaders.

The 2025 Grand Marshals include Krazy George Henderson, the legendary Earthquakes superfan and inventor of “the Wave,” and Ishmael “Easy” Perez, a star from the original NASL Earthquakes and current Rotary Club president. 

Olympic medalists in swimming, skiing, and hammer throw will also headline the parade.

This year’s honored guests feature some of Santa Clara’s most enduring names in sports and education:

• Robert “Bob” Buchser, longtime educator and former Rotary president, is representing a 104-year family legacy in Santa Clara schools.
  
• Coach Craig Connelly, remembered posthumously as the founder of the Santa Clara Lions Pop Warner program, which he led for six decades. His widow, Linda Connelly, will attend in his honor.
  
• Pedro Martinez, Santa Clara High School coach of the first-ever CCS championship team in school history.
  
• Derek Ian Evans, U.S. Olympic soccer player and Bay Area pro with the Earthquakes and Oakland Stompers.
  

Organizers call the event a “community kickoff for the biggest year in Santa Clara sports history” as the city gears up to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl.

Schedule Highlights

The day begins with a “Breakfast of Champions” fundraiser at American Legion 419 from 8 to 10 a.m. The traditional pancake meal supports veterans’ programs.

Opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. feature the National Anthem by former Miss Santa Clara Melissa Gialdini, a flag-raising by Scout Troop 394, and remarks from public officials.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jackson Street transforms into a Sports Fan Zone, with Bay Area teams, mascots, photo ops, skill games, and the official 2026 FIFA Countdown Clock making a stop. Franklin Street will host a Community Village with local nonprofits, schools, artisans, and food trucks.

The Parade of Champions runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with marching bands, drill teams, and community floats competing for cash prizes and NorCal Band Association points. The Stanford University Marching Band will close the show with a mini-concert.