The Santa Clara Parade of Champions has been a time-honored legacy in the City of Santa Clara since 1945 until it was suspended in 1995. On Saturday, Sept. 28, the parade made its triumphant return. The parade ran through the Old Quad neighborhood in the historic Santa Clara downtown district.
The Parade of Champions historically honored residents who excel in everything from sports, to civic and business, to culture and arts, to entertainment. This year, parade organizers added technology honors to the mix.
This year’s return of the parade featured custom floats, marching bands, drill and cheerleading teams, STEAM and Robotic Clubs, little league champions, dance and gymnastics schools, the Santa Clara Aquamaids, Olympians and the Santa Clara Vanguard.
Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department’s Performance Dance Team was picked to lead the Santa Clara Parade of Champions. The 2019 Parade Grand Marshals were Brandi Chastain, Jerry Smith, Carney Lansford, and Paul Rosa.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Parade of Champion’s charitable partner JW House.
Want more? See videos of the parade on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/santaclaraweekly/
The Wilcox Song Pom/Dance Team
The Santa Clara Vanguard
The flags of the United States of America and the State of California
Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department Santa Clara Performance Dance Team
Grand Marshalls Brandy Chastain and Jerry Smith
Mission San Jose High School Marching Warriors
Spirit of 45
Silver Creek High School’s Navy JROTC
Grand Marshall Tom Goodson
San Jose resident Lucas (11) managed to wrangle a T-Rex for his ride in the parade with the Santa Clara Rotary Float
Westmont High School Marching Band
Triton Museum of Art
Pittsburg High School Marching Band
AUZAZ Team from Volare’ Studios
Special Olympics with Dan Winter, Santa Clara’s Acting Police Chief, and board members for the Special Olympics of Northern California
Rosie the Riveter, aka Mary Torres, a shipyard worker during World War II