CLEARLAKE — Lakeshore Lions Club invites community participation in the 53rd annual Redbud Parade and Festival to be held on July 3 in downtown Clearlake. The event will begin with a parade at 11 a.m. and culminate with the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce”s annual Independence Day fireworks display at dusk.
The theme of this year”s parade is “”60s Summer of Love.” Congressman Mike Thompson will serve as Grand Marshal.
The procession, which will feature local marchers, decorated floats, vintage cars, parade and show horses, fire and police vehicles and much more, will begin at Redbud Park and continue down Lakeshore Drive to Austin Park.
Following the parade, the Redbud Festival will continue at Austin Park where a variety of entertainment, food, beer and wine will be offered. “This year we will not be barbecuing tri-tip. We are bringing in more food merchants to give the public more choices for food,” John Dawes, parade chairman said. “The street fair will be larger and the band this year will be Southern Comfort.”
The festival will also feature the 10th annual “Show and Shine Car Show” and a carnival midway of fun. The chamber of commerce will be hosting the 43rd annual International Worm Races near the entrance of the park as well.
Free parking will be available at Haverty Field.
“This is largest fundraiser for the Lakeshore Lions Club, so please show your community spirit and support by helping us raise money for all the many causes the Lakeshore Lions Club aids in our community,” Dawes said.
“The Lions support the eye glasses and vision care program for the needy, high school sports, scholarships and many other school activities, the local fire and police departments, the senior center, community patrol program (VIP), Boy Scouts and so many other very notable causes.”
Those seeking to enter the parade can pick up an entry form at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Bob”s Vacuum, Clearlake Automotive, Kevin Ness Jewelers, Howard”s Grotto and Ride-on! Bikes in Clearlake. Any and all arts and craft vendors interested in booths, please call Bob Kiel at 994-9752. To gather all the information you need for the parade, please call Parade Chairman John Dawes at 994-7330 or 266-8034; and for the car show, call Kevin Ness at 994-2307. Parade entry deadline is June 25.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
