El Cajon businessman Thomas Wigton and six of his friends started the parade in 1947 for the children. The parade's success and reputation spread throughout the country. The third parade drew 100,000 and an ad hoc committee was formed to plan the next parades. In 1950, the non-profit Mother Goose Parade Association was formed. By-laws were created, officers were elected and the Mother Goose Parade Association logo and name were registered as trademarks .

It is the largest parade in San Diego County and the largest of its type west of the Mississippi. Its tradition is to unite friends and families on a day which marks the beginning of the holiday season with an extravaganza. It is mainly our gift to children of all ages . . . a day of mystical imagination, unhindered joy and excitement - a day to be remembered the rest of the year and the rest of their lives.

Always the Sunday before Thanksgiving

In beautiful sunny El Cajon, California (located in East San Diego County)

Approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours from any given point

Begins at MAGNOLIA Avenue and MAIN Street in El Cajon, California. It will proceed east on Main Street, then North on N. Second Street, and finishes at Madison Avenue. (See Route Map)

Please visit Street Closures

The pre-parade show will start in front of the Grandstands at 9:40 a.m. followed by the parade at 10:00 a.m..

There is room on both sides of the streets to view this spectacular parade for FREE! To ensure a good viewing location, get there early. Spectators arrive as early as 6:00 a.m.

We are currently reviewing this method of transportation to the parade. Please visit Getting There

Yes.

• Bring some sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of ice cold water for hot days (or a thermos of piping hot cocoa for cold days). We never know what the weather will be like.
• Bring a folding chair for comfort. If you have kids, bring a blanket so that they can sit on the curb for a great view.
• Please watch your children. DO NOT allow them to get up and run into the street for their safety and the safety of our participants.

Following are some of the rules all spectators should know:

• Grandstand ticket holders will not be allowed to bring backpacks, coolers or large bags due to space.
• All persons and property such as blankets, chairs, etc., must remain on the curb.
• No items may be sold along parade row without a permit.
• No public areas (sidewalks, curbs, gutters, streets) may be cordoned or roped off by spectators.
• No throwing any item(s) onto parade row is prohibited.
• Vehicles obstructing emergency lanes will be towed.
• Vehicles parked along parade route will be impounded.
• All "No Parking" areas and red curb zones remain off-limits, and vehicles in violation will be subject to impound.
• Walking in the street is not permitted.

Fundraisers are vital to any organization's success. The Mother Goose Parade Association is always looking into creative avenues to raise money for its annual programs and the parade to bring unity to families. One avenue is "Special Events" that are fun. Please visit Events

You do not need tickets to the Mother Goose Parade unless you are looking for a grandstand seat. See Grandstand and VIP Tickets

In addition, the Mother Goose Parade is usually broadcast by the Public Access Channel, Cox Communications, and Time Warner. See Media

Each float must conform to certain regulations. Please see Floats. We also have several float companies that we can recommend to build you a float. They range from $2,000 to $15,000 depending on the complexity.

Volunteers are one element that is vital to the success of the parade. We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers are men and women of all ethnic backgrounds from all walks of life who live or work in San Diego County and who are willing to devote the necessary time and energy. We even accept students that are trying to earn community service credit. The range of responsibilities are listed under Volunteers

Be a part of this wonderful tradition by reviewing the qualifications to enter and then completing a participant application. You and your group, business, organization or church can be seen and enjoyed by a multitude of people by entering a float, marching band, special unit or other entry. It's an opportunity for you and your efforts to be appreciated on this special parade day. Visit Participate

The Mother Goose Queen and her Royal Court have presided over the annual parade since 1950. During their reign, they will make numerous social and media appearances, serving as goodwill ambassadors for the Mother Goose Parade Association. Our mission continues to provide all of the resources available to us to assist every participant equally, and to do everything possible to help you compete with confidence, grace, composure, and success! See Queens Contest