Photos: Community Embraces Return Of Luther Burbank Rose Parade

SANTA ROSA, CA — A tradition known to brighten the community for over a century recently returned to Santa Rosa.

The Rose Carnival was an annual tradition that began in 1894. It is believed that Luther Burbank — the famed horticulturist who lived in Santa Rosa for 50 years and developed over 800 strains and varieties of plants, flowers, vegetables, nuts and grains— did not participate in the festival until 1914.

It continued as the Rose Carnival until 1926 when it was canceled because of Burbank's death just days prior. There were also years during World Wars I and II when it was not held. Since 1950 when it was renamed the Luther Burbank Rose Parade it took place annually; however, a recent five-year hiatus did not end until this year.

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul," the parade's namesake once said.

The sentiment could not be truer Saturday, May 18, as 75 flowery entries in a "Trek Thru Time" depicted Santa Rosa's past, present and future atop floats, in fancy cars or as part of a group who gleefully marched, danced or rode through downtown as thousands of spectators lined the streets in anticipation.

Here are the winners of the 2024 Luther Burbank Rose Parade:

• Best Overall: Exchange Bank
• Most Creative: Rancho Cotate High School - MEChA Club/Latino Student Union
• Best Use of Theme: Sonoma County Library, North Bay Black Chamber, First Congregational United Church of Christ (tie)
• Best Use of Flowers: Safari West
• Best Bands: Elsie Ellen High School & Cesar Chavez Language Academy Marching Bands; Hillcrest Hawks Marching Band (tie)

Immedatley following the parade, the crowd convened at the Old Courthouse Square for a free festival featuring children's activities, crafts, games, contests, live performances, classic cars, lowriders, vendors and for the adults — beer and wine.

Performances by the Sonoma County Pomo Dancers, New World Ballet Theatre, Redwood Empire Chinese Association, Ballet Folklorico and the Sonoma County Taiko Drummers provided entertainment.

Plans for the 2025 parade and festival are underway, with the big day set for Saturday, May 17, 2025. The theme is expected to be released this fall.

But first, enjoy the photo gallery above of the 2024 parade courtesy of local photographer Al Francis.