Annual Events

Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival

  • May 01, 2022
  • By Silver Fox

Though the famed horticulturist Luther Burbank took part in the event as early as 1914, the annual tradition began in 1894 with the first Rosea Carnival. It continued until 1926 when it was canceled due to Burbank’s death, shortly before the festival. A longer hiatus was observed during the World Wars. The Junior Chamber of Commerce ‘Jaycees’ revived the event in 1950, renaming it in honor of Burbank. It has been held every year since and always with a parade. Many elements have changed over the years. The original affairs offered the grandeur of coronation balls and the pageantry of royal courts; later versions offered regattas, bicycle and running races, fireworks and tennis. The parade, though, has always been the central activity.

Since its rebirth in 1950 the parade has become an annual event on the third Saturday in May, drawing a strong showing of local school marching bands, floats built by community and service organizations, equestrian teams, and units honoring local veterans.

Festival activities, particularly fun and games for children, became a larger part of the day with the 100th anniversary event in 1994. The Luther Burbank Rose Parade & Festival became a formal tax-exempt corporation in 1994 after the last of its parent organizations disbanded. Community members, determined to keep the annual tradition alive, formed a 12-member board of directors. The volunteer group works year-round to produce the event, which meets an annual budget of $100,000 through sponsorships, grants, and parade and vendor fees.

Related Articles

View other articles

Buy Tickets to Trending Special Events

Sonoma County Special Events
Wine & Food Affair ~ 26th Annual Sonoma County Img

Wine Road Northern Sonoma County

Wine & Food Affair ~ 26th Annual Sonoma County

Healdsburg, CA

Nov 2, 2024 - Nov 3, 2024

Wine Road Insider Membership Img

Wine Road Northern Sonoma County

Wine Road Insider Membership

Healdsburg, CA

May 1, 2024 - Dec 31, 2025

Backyard BBQ Harvest Party! Img

Mounts Family Winery

Backyard BBQ Harvest Party!

Healdsburg, CA

Sunday, October 13, 2024 12:00 PM

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 9/26/24 Img

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 9/26/24

Windsor, CA

Thursday, September 26, 2024 5:00 PM

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 9/19/24 Img

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 9/19/24

Windsor, CA

Thursday, September 19, 2024 5:00 PM

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 10/3/24 Img

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 10/3/24

Windsor, CA

Thursday, October 3, 2024 5:00 PM

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 10/10/24 Img

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 10/10/24

Windsor, CA

Thursday, October 10, 2024 5:00 PM

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 10/17/24 Img

Notre Vue Estate Winery & Vineyards

Thursday Night Sunset Happy Hour 10/17/24

Windsor, CA

Thursday, October 17, 2024 5:00 PM