Santa Clara, CA – June 26, 2024– The 55th Santa Clara Parade of Champions and Festival is proud to announce that the San Francisco 49ers, the 2023 NFC Champions, will be the Presenting Sponsors for this year's grand event. The Parade and festival will take place on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, starting at 8am with “Meet the Grand Marshals” Breakfast of Champions, Opening Ceremonies, the Parade and the Street Festival.  For 55 years the event has brought the community together for a day of celebration, unity and civic pride—something for everyone.

This year's parade promises to be a spectacular affair with an exciting lineup of Grand Marshals. Iconic Peanuts characters, California’s Great America Snoopy, Lucy, and Charlie Brown will charm the crowds, joined by the legendary Krazy George, famous for the “Wave” and the cause of enthusiastic cheers at sporting events. Additionally, the parade will honor Rod Diridon Sr., a Veteran, past District 4  County Supervisor, and the “Father of Modern Transit” and a past County Supervisor for District 4, along with his son, Rod Diridon Jr., a past Santa Clara Vice Mayor and elected Clerk. Together, the Diridons will serve as Co-Grand Marshals, celebrating their significant contributions to the community.

The 55th Santa Clara Parade of Champions and Festival will feature a vibrant procession of floats, bands, performers, and community groups, showcasing the history, spirit and diversity of Santa Clara. It’s the longest and most inclusive multicultural and multigenerational event at the center of Silicon Valley. Attendees can look forward to a day filled with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and an array of community groups, food and craft vendors.

“We are thrilled to have the San Francisco 49ers as our Presenting Sponsors for this milestone event,” said Ana Vargas-Smith, President of the Santa Clara Parade of Champions nonprofit organization. “Their support and presence at this 55-year-old historic legacy event will add an extra layer of excitement and pride to our parade, especially following their incredible season as NFC Champions and celebration of the 10 year anniversary of Levi’s Stadium.”

“The Santa Clara Parade of Champions is a fantastic tradition and we’re proud to be supporting it as we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Levi’s Stadium in this community,” said Ellie Caple, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for the San Francisco 49ers. “This parade gives our community a chance to come together and celebrate everything that makes Santa Clara so special.”

The festival will kick off at 8am with the “Meet the Grand Marshals” Breakfast of Champions, followed by the 10am Opening ceremonies, with the Parade commencing at 11am. After the Parade, the festival continues with Food Trucks, Community Village Booths and our Annual Street Dance featuring the band Pop Rocks. The event will be held in the heart of downtown Santa Clara, with the parade route running along Monroe Street. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking, the best viewing spots, and to enjoy the pre-parade festivities like the Breakfast of Champions and the Opening Ceremonies. 

For more information on the Santa Clara Parade of Champions and Festival, how to sponsor, volunteer or participate, including details about parade route, parking, bleacher seating and event schedules, please visit www.scparadeofchampions.org or contact Ana Vargas-Smith.

Join us for a historic day of community celebration, honoring local community and front line heroes and champions, and creating lasting memories for all ages!

About the Santa Clara Parade of Champions and Festival: The Santa Clara Parade of Champions and Festival is a nonprofit 501c3 that has been hosting this annual event celebrating their champions, community and front-line heroes, history, spirit and unity of our diverse communities. It’s the longest most inclusive event in the history of Santa Clara since 1945. Fundraised ensures that it is FREE to the Public to attend, and to support our charitable initiatives of Youth Scholarships and Internships, Veterans and Families facing medical Crisis. For  55 years, the parade has brought together local organizations, businesses, and residents for a day of joy, pride, and togetherness.

About 49ers Cares: In honor of the 10-year anniversary of Levi’s® Stadium, the 49ers have launched 49ers Cares About Santa Clara, an organization-wide effort to provide its neighbors in Santa Clara with outstanding community support and life-changing opportunities. The highlights include over $11 million contributed to SCUSD STEM programs, co-ed sports camps benefitting 50,000 local female student-athletes, and hundreds of thousands of meals to families in need.

Contact:

Ana Vargas-Smith
President
Santa Clara Parade of Champions

avsmith2014@gmail.com
www.scparadeofchampions.org