Kick Off the Holidays With Mother Goose

Is everyone ready for the largest parade in San Diego County? It happens this weekend, so gather up the kids and go take a gander at Mother Goose. 

The annual , held on the streets of El Cajon, takes place every year on the Sunday preceding Thanksgiving. It’s more than a parade—it’s a unique event that involves the community and encourages a education, arts and public safety.

This year's Mother Goose Parade Court includes Santee resident Hannah Fletcher as the "Mother Goose Parade Queen."

The Mother Goose Parade Association is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. According to their website, parade participants are encouraged to “educate the general public with their entry by depicting the promotion of arts, culture, heritage or science, advancement of human rights, literacy and education, religion, community development, environment protection or improvement - going "green", animal welfare, or public safety, which makes this a unique educational parade for all walks of life. Those depictions can be relayed through, but not limited to, stunning floats, giant balloons, colorful clowns, marching bands, marching and/or heritage dancing of different ethnic groups, and special units.”

The parade is around 12 “chapters” long, with a new chapter bringing in a new theme. A “red carpet” event starts at 8 a.m., and you can start lining the streets to secure yourself a spot to see Mother Goose, herself. The actual parade begins at 10 a.m.

The Mother Goose Parade will begin at Magnolia and Main, head down Main Street to North Second Street, turn north then end at Madison. Click here for the route and street closures.

Following the parade, “Mother Goose Village” will be open at Prescott Promenade. There will be various food vendors and activities for the kids there from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.