Cherry Festival 2026 Parade Application

WELCOME
Join the City of San Leandro for our highly anticipated annual Cherry Festival and Parade — a cherished community tradition celebrating our past, present, and future. 

The first Cherry Festival was held on June 5, 1909, when cherry production was so abundant that San Leandro became known as “The Cherry City.” Today, we continue that tradition with a vibrant community celebration in the heart of our historic downtown. 

The Cherry Festival Parade will take place from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on June 6, 2026, traveling just under one mile along East 14th Street, beginning near the BART South Parking Lot and concluding at the San Leandro Main Library on Estudillo Avenue. 
 
We invite San Leandro residents, community groups, businesses, and organizations to participate in this signature City event.  Parade spots are limited.  Accepted groups will be notified by Friday, April 24, 2026.
 
PARADE  PARTICIPATION  STANDARDS 
As the Cherry Festival Parade is livestreamed and photographed across multiple platforms, all entries are expected to present a cohesive, organized, and family-friendly appearance reflective of community pride. 
 
The following standards apply to all participants. 
 
1. Identification & Banner Requirement 
All walking groups must display a clearly visible banner or professionally printed sign at the front of their entry. 

• Banner must identify the official name of the organization.
• Minimum recommended size: 3 ft x 6 ft.
• Banner must be carried by at least two participants.
• Handwritten signs are discouraged.
• Signage shall reflect only the name of the organization or group. 

Clear identification ensures accurate livestream commentary, media coverage, and professional presentation. 
 
2. Cohesion & Spacing Standards 
To ensure smooth parade flow and broadcast clarity: 

• Entries must remain within a cohesive 30–40 ft footprint.
• Participants must remain grouped together.
• Large gaps within entries are not permitted.
• Continuous forward movement is required unless otherwise directed.
• Performance pauses may only occur at the designated announcer zone and may not exceed 30 seconds.  

Failure to maintain spacing may result in removal from the parade route. 
 
3. Attire & Visual Presentation 
Coordinated attire is strongly encouraged to enhance presentation. 

Examples include: 

• Matching shirts
• Team uniforms
• Coordinated colors
• Branded apparel 

Entries should avoid uncoordinated street attire unless it supports a specific theme. All entries should present a visually organized and camera-ready appearance. 
 
4. Livestream & Conduct Standards 
As this event is livestreamed and recorded: 

• All conduct must be family-friendly.
• No profanity (spoken or displayed).
• No inappropriate gestures.
• No campaign-related activity or messaging.
• Political participation is limited to current elected officials representing San Leandro residents (former Mayors may participate). Campaign activity is strictly prohibited.

The City reserves the right to remove any entry that does not meet conduct standards. 
 
5. Audio & Amplification 

• Amplified sound must be kept at reasonable levels.
• Competing audio near the announcer booth is not permitted.
• Generators must be safely secured and muffled.
• Excessive volume may result in removal from the parade. 

6. Floats & Vehicles 
All floats must meet safety and presentation standards: 

• All sides of floats must be decorated.
• No exposed trailer walls, unsecured items, or visible storage boxes.
• All props must be secured and fire-retardant when applicable.
• Tow vehicles must be safe, clean, and professionally presented.
• Drivers must remain focused solely on vehicle operation.
• Throwing candy or items into the crowd is discouraged; hand distribution by walking participants is permitted.

The City reserves the right to remove unsafe floats. 

7. Animal Entries 
Animal entries must: 

• Maintain full control of animals at all times.
• Provide clean-up personnel.
• Keep animals within their assigned footprint.
• Ensure animals are parade-ready and non-aggressive.

PARTICIPANT  CATEGORIES 
 
Marching Band 
An ensemble of musicians performing while marching, typically including brass, woodwinds, percussion, drum majors, majorettes, and color guard. 
 
Youth & Youth-Related Non-Profit 
Entries comprised of youth participants or organizations primarily serving youth, including schools, sports teams, church youth groups, dance teams, and scouting organizations. 

• One adult chaperone for every ten youth participants is encouraged.
• Adult chaperones must remain with minors for the duration of the parade and until children are released to authorized guardians.

Non-Profit Organization & Community Groups 
Certified 501(c)(3) organizations, neighborhood groups, families, clubs, and civic associations. Signage shall reflect only the organization or group name. 
 
Civic / Government Agency 
Federal, state, county, city, special districts, public safety agencies, and military units. 
 
Commercial / Business 
Businesses and corporations may display their company logo but must maintain professional presentation standards. 
 
Political Officials 
Limited to current elected officials representing San Leandro residents and former Mayors. Campaign-related activity will not be accepted. 
 
AWARDS
All entries are eligible for an award, which will be determined by judges during the parade. Each entry may receive only one award. Award recipients will be notified within two weeks of the event with instructions for award pickup.  

Award recipients will also be recognized through:  

• Custom Plaque  
• Posted on the City website  
• Featured in the San Leandro Times  
• Recognized via City social media channels  

Awards include:  

• San Leandro Spirit Award  
• Judge’s Choice Award  
• Best Float Award   

Accepted groups will be notified by Friday, April 24, 2026.

PRE-PARADE  INFORMATIONAL  VIRTUAL  MEETING
One representative from each approved entry is required to attend: 
 
Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. (Virtual) 
The meeting link will be provided one week prior. 
During this meeting, participants will receive: 

• Assigned parade position
• Check-in instructions
• Staging map
• Final timing and route details
• Safety briefing
• Broadcast procedures 

Failure to attend may result in removal from the parade lineup. 

SAFETY  &  LIABILITY
All participants must comply with City of San Leandro safety instructions, staff directions, and emergency protocols. 
 
The City reserves the right to deny or remove any entry that: 

• Fails to meet safety standards
• Fails to meet presentation standards
• Violates conduct policies
• Disrupts parade operations

The Cherry Festival Parade is a rain-or-shine event. 

OUR  COMMITMENT  TO  EXCELLENCE
The Cherry Festival Parade is a signature San Leandro event. Together, we aim to present a vibrant, organized, and professional celebration that honors our history while showcasing the pride and diversity of our community. 
 
We thank you for helping elevate this tradition. 

APPLICATION  INSTRUCTIONS
Parade spots are limited.  Please complete the questions and acknowledgments below. If you have any questions, you can message us through the Eventeny website (preferred) or leave a message at (510) 544-9943, and we will respond as soon as possible!  Accepted groups will be notified by Friday, April 24, 2026.