Parade site claims event will return in 2024, but city manager says foundation is “defunct” ; tax records reveal financial troubles

Story and photos by Miriam Raftery

November 16, 2023 (El Cajon) – For the fourth year in a row, there will be no Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. An ECM investigation into the El Cajon Valley Mother Goose Parade Association reveals troubling findings, including financial losses, consulting fees paid out with no tangible results, the association's donation page taken down, and no apparent fundraising events. The parade association’s officers have refused  to respond to media questions.

The El Cajon Valley Mother Goose Parade Association website claims, “This beloved event shall be re-imagined as a new classic in 2024.”  If true, why wouldn't they respond to media inquiries to publicize ways that the public could support the parade?

The parade, a tradition since 1947, has long been billed as the largest parade of its type west of the Mississippi. It went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.  In 2022, the website announced cancellation of a live parade due to “unprecedented staffing, logistics and supply chain challenges” but promised that the annual tradition” will be back bigger and better than ever in 2023.” 

That didn’t happen, and the lack of transparency raises serious questions over whether there will be a parade in 2024, or ever again--unless the public steps forward to save the parade and provide a fairy-tale resolution.

East County News Service

October 23, 2021 (El Cajon) – The 75^th annual Mother Goose Parade will be held virtually on November 21, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, at 1 p.m.  You can view it at www.MotherGooseParade.org.  The parade theme is “Celebrating 75 Years of East County Fun.”

World War II paratrooper Tom Rice to serve as Grand Marshal

By Miriam Raftery

November 13, 2018 (El Cajon) – The Mother Goose Parade, El Cajon’s most cherished tradition for 72 years, will roll out on Sunday, November 18^th starting at 1 p.m. in downtown EL Cajon.   

The theme this year is “The Sky’s The Limit!”  The parade’s Grand Marshal Tom Rice, a 96 year-old World War II Veteran and a former Army paratrooper.  He flew over the skies of Normandy on D-Day on June 6, 1944, as part of the Army’s 101^st Airborne Division, called the “Screaming Eagles.” He's been awarded both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart!

In addition to elaborate floats, marching bands, giant inflatable balloon characters, clowns and equestrian entries, there’s also a star-studded cast of child and adult celebrities in the line-up.

Topping the list are Brandon Tyler Russell, best known for his role as Dr. Gregory Williams (aka Baby George/Baby O’Malley) on Grey’s Anatomy, Colton Shires from the daytime soap “Passions,” and two-time Emmy Award winner Vincent DePaul best known for his role as Father Leon on The Bay, British feature film star Scott Butler. (photos)

East County News Service

October 25, 2017 (El Cajon) -- Waste Management of San Diego and the Mother Goose Parade Association announce launch of a non-perishable food drive benefiting the East County Transitional Living Center, which provides housing to help the homeless and others in need. The drive will run through November 15 with local businesses serving as drop off sites and will culminate with food being collected in Waste Management Bagster® bags at the Mother Goose Parade on Nov. 19.

By Robert Gehr © 2015

November 6, 2015 (El Cajon ) -- The annual Mother Goose Parade is nearly upon us, still going strong after nearly 70 years. This very popular event began in 1947 and some changes this year should breathe new life into this fantastic family attraction. This year, the parade shifts to a Saturday,  Nov. 21^st starting at 10 a.m.

Mother Goose Village will be a two-day event Nov. 22-23

November 4, 2014 (El Cajon)—The Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon will roll out at 12:15 p.m., later than in the past, along a new route on Sunday, November 23.

March 19, 2014 (El Cajon) – If you’re ready to get in the swing of things this spring, Cottonwood Golf has announced a series of golf tournaments in April, May and June. Many of these events will benefit local charitable causes, from children’s programs to wounded veterans to the Mother Goose Parade.  In addition, Cottonwood will host brunch in its garden area each Sunday through June 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with mimosas or champagne for adults and a menu with child pricing.  Cottonwood is located at 3121 Willow Glen Drive in EL Cajon. For reservations call:

619-442-9891 x 22.

April 12, 2013 (Alpine) --The public , is invited to a dinner and performance by The Legends to benefit the Mother Goose Parade.  The event will be held in the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge on Saturday, April 13 from 4-7 p.m.  The show costs $30 per person, or two for $50.

Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge is located at the Viejas Casino, 5000 Willows Road in Alpine.  This show is for ages 21 and up.  For tickets, call (619)444-5774.

By Miriam Raftery

November 12, 2012 (El Cajon) - In honor of El Cajon's centennial celebration, each chapter of this year's 66th annual Mother Goose Parade will be dedicated to a 10-year period of the city's history.

Mayor Mark Lewis will be the grand marshall of the parade, which features elaborate floats, equestrians, marching bands, and Santa Claus to usher in the holiday season. 

Also enjoy "After the Goose" shopping specials, rides and activities in downtown El Cajon