Every year on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the city of El Cajon in California celebrates Mother Goose Parade Day, a festive tradition featuring floats, marching bands, helium balloons, costumed characters, and more. The parade was established in 1947 by local businessmen to gift the children of East County a memorable kick-off to the holiday season.
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History of Mother Goose Parade Day
The idea for the Mother Goose Parade was conceived by Thomas Wigton Jr. and fellow East County business leaders in 1947, who wanted to create a special event “for the children” of the area.
Since that first year, the parade has grown into a major regional event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators from across San Diego County and featuring over 100 entries from around the U.S. each year.
Why is Mother Goose Parade Day important?
This day is important because it celebrates community, holiday spirit, and tradition in a playful, inclusive way. For many families in East County and beyond, the parade signals the start of the holiday season, bringing joy, spectacle, and a sense of local pride.
It also emphasizes the role of volunteerism and civic engagement: the parade is organized by a nonprofit that holds events year-round, showing how a single annual celebration can reflect deeper ongoing community commitment.
- It brings together families, neighbors, and visitors in a festive community tradition.
- It provides children a joyful holiday-themed experience of parade floats, music, and characters.
- It highlights local business and volunteer contributions to make a large event happen.
- It promotes regional identity and the idea of giving back to children and families.
- It contributes to the holiday season’s mood and creates lasting memories for attendees.
How to Celebrate Mother Goose Parade Day
To celebrate the day, attending the parade in El Cajon is the most direct way—arrive early, enjoy pre-parade activities like the “Mother Goose Village” at the end of the route, and soak in the floats, balloons, and marching bands.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can join the spirit by watching parade videos online, sharing photos from past years, dressing in holiday colors with your family, or organizing your own mini “parade” in your neighborhood or school to honor the theme of fun, creativity and community.
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along West Main Street in El Cajon.
- Take photos of floats, balloon characters, or festive costumes and share them with friends or on social media.
- Wear holiday or costume attire and bring children for a special outing.
- Volunteer or donate to the parade’s organizing body to help support children’s-oriented events.
- Recreate a small parade experience at home or school: use balloons, music, marching, or floats to bring the celebration to your community.
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