Parade Time In Sonora

By Bill Johnson Published May 10, 2002 02:50 pm Updated Jan 31, 2009 05:28 pm

It´s the event many wait for all year-long, the Mother Lode Round-Up Parade.

One of the biggest parades in the state, only topped by the Rose Parade in Pasadena, this year´s Mother Lode Round-Up Parade features nearly 200 entries.

Queens, cars, clowns and cowboys are the order of the day. The fun gets underway at 10 a.m. sharp Saturday.

Nearly a dozen marching bands will keep spectators toes tapping, and equestrian groups such as the Shady Ladies of the Mother Lode, are always a crowd pleaser.

Tons of clowns, community groups, fire engines and classic cars keep the crowd on it´s feet.

Sonora Police remind area residents and visitors alike, there will be no parking along the parade route on Washington Street after 5 a.m. Saturday. Available parking spots near the downtown area will be in short supply come parade time.

Sonora Police say the intersection of Washington Street and Highway 108 will be closed beginning at 8:30 Saturday morning. Cross traffic at Restano and Mono Way will also close at 8:30 a.m.

South Washington Street from Snell and North Washington Street to Williams, with no cross traffic, will be closed at 9:30 a.m. Police anticipate all roads to be reopened by 1 p.m.