Mother Goose Parade

IS THE GOOSE COOKED? MOTHER GOOSE PARADE ORGANIZERS DUCK MEDIA CALLS AFTER EVENT CANCELLED FOR FOURTH STRAIGHT YEAR

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.


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MOTHER GOOSE PARADE CANCELLED, WILL RETURN NEXT YEAR

East County News Service

October 31, 2022 (El Cajon) -- Organizers of one of San Diego County's longest-running and most beloved holiday events have announced cancellation of the 2022 event, but pledge that the annual tradition will be back bigger and better than ever in 2023.


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75TH ANNUAL MOTHER GOOSE PARADE WILL BE VIRTUAL NOV. 21

East County News Service

October 23, 2021 (El Cajon) – The 75th 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.”


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74TH ANNUAL MOTHER GOOSE PARADE GOES VIRTUAL ON SUNDAY, NOV. 22

 

If you missed the parade you can watch the virtual video here with highlights of the best parades through the years:  https://www.facebook.com/ABC10News/videos/365702947867513

Source: Mother Goose Parade

 

November 16, 2020 (El Cajon) -- East County's holiday favorite Mother Goose Parade, traditionally held the Sunday before Thanksgiving, is going to look different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic when it takes place.

Virtually on Sunday, November 22nd, on San Diego's KGTV-TV Channel 10News.com, starting at 1 p.m.  It will be an exciting video montage of past parades so everyone can still enjoy the parade, but safely.

The parade, the largest holiday season parade west of the Mississippi, has been a community tradition for 74 years. Despite having to cancel the celebration, which traditionally winds down the main streets of downtown El Cajon, parade organizers anticipate the broadcast will still be a festive experience marking the beginning of the holiday season.


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STARS TO SHINE AT MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 18



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 18th 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 101st 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)


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MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 19

 

East County News Service

November 8, 2017 (El Cajon) - The 71st Annual Mother Goose Parade will be on November 19th, the Sunday before Thanksgiving.   This year’s parade theme is “Family Traditions!”  The parade begins at 1 p.m.  You can see over 100 colorful and exciting parade entries, including floats, marching bands, clowns, equestrians, local dignitaries, TV celebrities, and Santa Claus!  The parade Grand Marshal is Randy Jones, former San Diego Padre and CY Young award winner.


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WASTE MANAGEMENT AND MOTHER GOOSE PARADE LAUNCH FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT EAST COUNTY TRANSITIONAL LIVING CENTER

 

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.


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70TH ANNUAL MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOVEMBER 20

 

East County News Service

September 11, 2016 (El Cajon) -The 70th annual Mother Goose Parade will be the Sunday before Thanksgiving.


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EL CAJON'S ANNUAL MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FEATURES A NEW DAY & START TIME: SAT. NOV. 21

 

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. 21st starting at 10 a.m.


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CROWD FLOCKS TO MOTHER GOOSE PARADE ALONG NEW ROUTE

 

Story and photos by Robert Gehr © 2014

November 24, 2014 (El Cajon)--Traditionally held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, this year’s Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon was exciting. The day was lightly overcast with a slight breeze, providing a little relief from the warm midday sun.


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NEW ROUTE FOR MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 23

 

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.


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DESTINATION EAST COUNTY: NOV. 6-23

 

November 4, 2014 (San Diego's East County) - This week’s Destination East County includes the Aztecs homecoming game, a hike by the light of the moon, the musical Mulan, an acorn harvest festival and a holiday open house at Summers Past Farms. Plus we’ll have previews of coming attractions, including a free concert by the Pomerado Brass Quintet and the much-anticipated East County holiday tradition, the Mother Goose Parade.

So stay tuned for all of these events and much, much more, from East County Magazine!


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COTTONWOOD GOLF ANNOUNCES UPCOMING TOURNAMENTS

 

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.


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SHOTGUN TOM KELLY TO BE GRAND MARSHAL IN MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 24

November 15, 2013 (El Cajon) – The 67th annual Mother Goose Parade will roll out at 10 a.m. on Sunday, November 24 complete with floats, marching bands, and radio personality Shotgun Tom Kelly as grand marshal.  Mother Goose Village will also be set up at the Prescott Promenade, 201 East Main Street, with fun actiivites from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The parade, a cherished East County tradition that draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, begins at the corner of Main and Magnolia in downtown El Cajon, continuing eastbound to Second Street and East Main.


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DINNER SHOW WITH THE LEGENDS APRIL 13 TO BENEFIT MOTHER GOOSE PARADE

 

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.


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VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS OF 2012 MOTHER GOOSE CENTENNIAL PARADE IN EL CAJON

November 21, 2012 (El Cajon) – ECM videographer Paul Kruze captured video highlights from the 2012 Mother Goose Parade, celebrating 100 years of El Cajon history in the city’s centennial year. 

This year’s parade featured fewer Hollywood celebrities than in the recent past, drawing on hometown heroes, Western equestrian groups, high school marching bands and a city centennial float for this once-in-a-century celebration. In keeping with tradition, the parade's finale featured Santa Claus and his reindeer-drawn sleigh, ushering in the start of the holiday season.

View videos:  Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV


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MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 18 TO DEPICT A CENTENNIAL OF HISTORY IN EL CAJON

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. 


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MOTHER GOOSE PARADE USHERS IN HOLIDAY SEASON FOR EAST COUNTY NOV. 20

November 11, 2011 (El Cajon) – The mother of all East County celebrations takes place November 20, when the 65th annual Mother Goose Parade rolls through downtown El Cajon. 


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64th ANNUAL MOTHER GOOSE PARADE ROLLS OUT SUNDAY IN EL CAJON

 

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


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JOIN THE GOOSE FOR TEA ON SATURDAY, JUNE 12

 

June 10, 2010 (El Cajon) -- The third annual "Royal Tea & Fashion Show" benefitting the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade will be held Saturday, June 12th, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1400 East Washington Avenue in El Cajon.


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MOTHER GOOSE PARADE SUNDAY TO FEATURE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONS, PIRATE "CAPTAIN JACK", DISNEY STAR & NEW MOTHER GOOSE VILLAGE

 

November 19, 2009 (El Cajon) – The 63rd annual Mother Goose Parade, East County’s most famous holiday tradition, will be held this Sunday, November 22nd.

 


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LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES CHAMPS TO SERVE AS GRAND MARSHALS IN EL CAJON'S MOTHER GOOSE PARADE NOV. 22

 

November 12, 2009 (El Cajon)--The Mother Goose Parade Association has announced the Grand Marshals for the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 – the “Chula Vista Park View All-Stars.”

 


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“TRIBUTE TO THE STARS” IN EL CAJON OCT. 10: EVENT TO BENEFIT MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FEATURES AMERICA’S TOP CELEBRITY TRIBUTE ARTISTS

 

By Miriam Raftery

 

October 5, 2009 (El Cajon) – Brad Pitt, Angeline Jolie and Jennifer Anniston celebrity impersonators join a “Tribute to the Stars” fundraising event Oct. 10 at the El Cajon Performing Arts Center to benefit the Mother Goose Parade. Other special appearances include tribute artists for Gwen Stefani, the music of No Doubt, “Twilight” movie stars, and Johnny Depp tribute artist “Cap’n Jack” Sam Sparrow.

 

The public is invited to join in the fun for $15 a person, $40 for a family four-pack--or splurge on a $45 rock star limo package that includes a celebrity red carpet welcome--complete with paparazzi to commemorate your arrival.


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IT’S OFFICIAL: MOTHER GOOSE PARADE IS SAVED!

September 6, 2009 (El Cajon) – Organizers of the Mother Goose Parade have voted to save East County's most cherished holiday tradition, after an outpouring of community do nations raised enough to cover a significant portion of the costs, East County Magazine has learned.

 


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IS THE GOOSE COOKED? CHERISHED MOTHER GOOSE PARADE FACES CANCELLATION IF FUNDS NOT RAISED BY MID-SEPTEMBER


August 10, 2009 (El Cajon) The historic Mother Goose Parade is in jeopardy of going dark this year--unless organizers can plump up their nest egg fast.

 


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PUBLIC HELP SOUGHT TO SAVE MOTHER GOOSE PARADE

June 16, 2009 (El Cajon)--The Mother Goose Parade is a long-standing holiday tradition in East County--and the largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi River. Floats, giant balloons, marching bands, equestrian entries and Santa Claus have long been part of the festivities. But this year, without public support the 63rd Annual Mother Goose Parade may not happen on November 22, 2009, if additional funding is not acquired.


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