Eden Medical Center Lights Up Castro Valley Parade

Castro Valley’s annual Light Parade on Nov. 8 was a dazzling display of creativity and community spirit—and Sutter Health’s Eden Medical Center was proud to be part of the celebration.

Hospital volunteers worked together to design and build a colorful float inspired by “It’s a Small World,” reflecting this year’s theme: “Children Are the Future.” Their hard work paid off as the float lit up the night and delighted parade-goers along Castro Valley Boulevard.

Eden's float this year took more than 300 hours to create, and the float makers spent more than a month bringing it to life. Hospital staff volunteers helped with construction, painting, assembling, and final touches over the past week, and nearly 100 Eden staff and family members walked with the float, which won the ribbon for Grand Marshall for the parade.

"We look forward to the Light Parade every year," said Tanya English, Eden Medical Center's Operations Executive. "It’s a great way to pull our team together with a shared goal – making an unforgettable float. We love being out in the community and seeing the patients and families we serve in a setting outside of the hospital. We’re already planning for next year!"

Eden Medical Center has a long tradition of participating in this beloved event. Last year, the team wowed the crowd with a float modeled after Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas.

This year, Eden was asked to keep its float on-site until the event was over at 9 p.m. so that parade goers could take photos and visit the float.

Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer and celebrate!