4th Of July Rose, White & Blue Parade

Basic Information

Address: 919 The Alameda San Jose, CA 95126
Phone Number: (408) 795-1859
Director: Larry Clark

Action Shots

* There are currently no photos associated with this listing.

Additional Information

Causes Served: San Jose historical preservation, local patriotic expression
Population Served: All
Ages for Volunteer: Dependant on function
Hours of Service: 8AM to 4 PM
Days of Service: 7/4/2011
Program History:

The History of the Rose Parade

Roses have provided an enduring theme for San Jose throughout its history. The first Carnival of Roses was held in1896, went on for four days and featured twenty-three year old Lillian Rea as the first Rose Queen. These celebrations predated the creation of the Municipal Rose Garden (1931). In honor of President McKinley's visit in 1901, the City of San Jose planned a rose themed parade along The Alameda and every float was covered with roses.

The Rose Carnival became Fiesta de Las Rosas in 1926. During the years of the Fiesta de Las Rosas, schoolyards and street corners alike were decorated with roses, flags and banners. A committee planted thousands of rose bushes giving meaning to the parade theme "Santa Clara Valley, the Rose Garden of the World." At its peak the parade boasted 87 floats, 10 bands, 200 mounted riders and a variety of decorated cars. A quarter million spectators were attracted to this "Grand Floral Parade" which started at the Mission Santa Clara, marched down The Alameda and ended in San Jose. The last Fiesta de Las Rosas took place in 1969.

Events:

The Parade begins at a staging area West San Carlos and Shasta Ave and winds through the charming and historic streets of the Shasta/Hanchett Neighborhood, ending at our festival area located near Lenzen and The Alameda. Schools, marching bands, dance groups, antique auto clubs, high wheel bicyclists, fire trucks, service organizations, equestrians, color guards, pets and their owners are all invited to partake in the Parade. With participation from RGPNA, S/HPNA, College Park Neighborhood Association, Westminster Presbyterian Church, the Capernaum Club for handicapped teens and over 400 local children, last year's parade became an instant success.