40th Anniversary Light Parade

The 40th Anniversary Light Parade will commence at 6:30pm on the corner of Camino Ramon and Executive Parkway.  The parade will head south on Camino Ramon and end at Bishop Drive next to City Center. Viewing is available along Camino Ramon on both sides of the street between Executive Parkway and Bishop Drive.

Parade attendees can set up chairs and blankets at 4:00pm on the day of the parade. Any chairs or blankets left out prior will be removed.

The judging area will be at the driveway to Bishop Ranch 2600 on Camino Ramon.  Sponsor booths will be available to visit near the driveway to Bishop Ranch 2700 on Camino Ramon.

Parking is available in several parking lots including:

Bishop Ranch 2700 - Take Sunset Drive north from Bollinger Canyon Road.  Drive straight in the Bishop Ranch 2700 parking lot and follow the signs for designated parking areas.

Bishop Ranch 2600 - Take Executive Parkway east from Bishop Drive.  Turn right into the parking lot and follow the signs for designated parking areas.

Bishop Ranch 15 - Enter Bishop Ranch 15 from Alcosta Blvd and follow the signs for the designated parking area.

Disabled parking is available at Bishop Ranch 2700.

The San Ramon 40^th Anniversary Light Parade will start at Bishop Ranch 7 on Camino Ramon. Parade entries will travel South on Camino Ramon with the end of the parade route being Bishop Drive. The route is 0.5 miles long.

1. What time will the parade start?

   The parade will commence at 6:30 p.m. and head south on Camino Ramon from the Transit Center and conclude to Bishop Drive near City Center.

    

2. What time can spectators arrive to watch the parade?

   Spectators can arrive after 4:00pm on the day of the parade to set up chairs or blankets along Camino Ramon. Any chairs or blankets left out prior will be removed.

    

3. Where is the best place to view the parade?

   Spectators can view the parade on either side of Camino Ramon along the parade route.  There will be plenty of prime viewing areas for spectators.

   The Judges Review Area is at the driveway of Bishop Ranch 2600 will have announcements and information about each parade entry as they go by. Some parade entries will have a brief performance in this area as well.

    

4. Where can I sit or put my chair/blanket?

   Spectators can view the parade on either side of Camino Ramon along the parade route. Chair or blankets can be placed on the grass areas or on the street next to the curb. 

   Please do not obstruct the sidewalks.

    

5. Where can I park?

   Parking is available in several parking lots including:

   Bishop Ranch 2700 - Take Sunset Drive north from Bollinger Canyon Road.  Drive straight in the Bishop Ranch 2700 parking lot and follow the signs for designated parking areas.

   Bishop Ranch 2600 - Take Executive Parkway east from Bishop Drive.  Turn right into the parking lot and follow the signs for designated parking areas.

   Bishop Ranch 15 - Enter Bishop Ranch 15 from Alcosta Blvd or Norris Canyon and follow the signs for the designated parking areas.

   Disabled parking is available at Bishop Ranch 2700.

    

6. What happens if it rains?

   If inclement weather creates an unsafe environment for participants, spectators, volunteers or staff the parade will be cancelled. City staff will make the decision to hold or cancel the parade no later than noon on Saturday, November 4. If the parade is cancelled, staff will post the announcement on the City website and social media.

    

7. Where does the parade start and end?

   The parade will take place along Camino Ramon from the Entrance to Bishop Ranch 7 heading south to Bishop Drive near City Center.

    

8. Where is the Judging Review Area?

   The Judges Review Area is at the driveway to Bishop Ranch 2600.

   This is the area where the judges will review the parade entries for awards. Information about each parade entry will be announced from this area as they go by. Some parade entries will have a brief performance in this area as well.

    

9. Will there be food or drinks?

   There will not be food or drinks available for purchase at this event. We recommend you bring your own or purchase food prior to coming.

   No alcohol is permitted at this event.

    

10. Can I bring my own food?

    Yes, you may bring your own food to this event.

     

11. What is the schedule for the parade?

    3:00 p.m.          Camino Ramon closed

    4:00 p.m.          Spectators begin to arrive

    4:00 p.m.          Parade entries begin to arrive and stage

    6:00 p.m.          Olympia Fields Brass begins to play

    6:30 p.m.          Parade begins

    8:30 p.m.          Parade approximate ending

     

12. How long will the parade last?

    We are estimating the parade to last approximately 2 hours from the first parade entry starting to the last parade entry finishing.

     

13. Are there awards for the parade entries?

Yes.  There are 5 awards that will be awarded after the parade.  The categories are:

1. San Ramon Spirit
2. Best Use of Lights
3. Best Lit Walking Group
4. Best Lit Vehicle/Float
5. Judge’s Choice

Each entry can only win one award. Award winners will be notified where and when they can pick up their award within two weeks of the event. Award winners will also be posted on the city website and shared via social media.

Thank you for being a part of the City of San Ramon's 40th Anniversary Light Parade! Below are important dates and additional parade entry information.

Important Dates

• October 24 - Parade entry registration closes at 11:59pm
• October 26 - Mandatory Parade Entry Meeting
  • 7:00-8:00pm
  • San Ramon Community Center - Terrace Room (12501 Alcosta Blvd.)
    NOTE: All entries must have a representative attend this in-person meeting.
• November 4 - Parade Go Time!
  •  4:00-6:00pm: Entry Check-in & Staging
  • 6:15pm: Parade Formation Begins
  • 6:30pm: The City of San Ramon 40th Anniversary Light Parade begins!

Tips and Tricks on Decorating Your Float

Need inspiration to build you float, how to light up the night and where to purchase supplies? Check out the Tips and Tricks on Decorating Your Float Guide.

Parade Entry Staging

Parade entries will stage on Camino Ramon near the intersection of Camino Ramon and Norris Canyon Road. Parade floats, vehicles and essential support vehicles should access the staging area by traveling East on Norris Canyon and take a Right onto Camino Ramon. 

Marching order and other details will be provided at the mandatory parade entry meeting.

Parade Entry Participant Parking and Drop Off

Participant parking is available in the Bishop Ranch 15 parking lot located at 12647 Alcosta Boulevard. Participants will be able to walk to the staging area located on Camino Ramon.

Parade entry participant drop off is available at the San Ramon Transit Center located at 7051 Executive Parkway - access will only be available from Alcosta Boulevard through the Bishop Ranch 15 parking lot.

The San Ramon 40^th Anniversary Light Parade is coordinated by the City of San Ramon Parks and Community Services Department. The event has a large number of partners and sponsors who are collaborating to celebrate the City's 40^th anniversary. For a full list of sponsors and partners, please visit the Event Sponsors page.

If you would like information about becoming an event sponsor, please contact Mae Mlyniec at MMlyniec@sanramon.ca.gov.

Get Inspired with Decoration Tips and Tricks

Don't know where to start lighting up the night? Check out our tips and tricks guide for ideas and where to purchase supplies.