San Leandro Cherry Festival Set To Return After 3-Year Hiatus

SAN LEANDRO, CA — The San Leandro Cherry Festival is set to return after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and this year’s event promises to bring a strong sense of community identity and pride to the San Leandro community, organizers said.

The Cherry Festival Parade, which has honored San Leandro’s heritage as the former cherry-growing capital of the region since 1909, will take place in downtown San Leandro on Saturday, June 4, along Parrot Street and East 14th Street from 10 a.m. to noon that day.

Other events throughout the day include live music and entertainment, games, vendors, food, drinks and much more and while the application deadline has passed, organizations have until close of business May 3 to apply to be in the parade, the city said.

“San Leandro residents and community groups are encouraged to take part either by entering as a participant or as a spectator,” the city said, adding that the parade, which ends in front of San Leandro City Hall, includes floats, music, youth groups, elected officials, and representatives from local schools.

Cherry Festival Parade Applications are available online here.

The city also took to social media reminding residents to “get their Cherry Pie recipes ready for the annual Cherry Pie Contest.”

Those who enter will have the opportunity to win the title of "Best Cherry Pie in the Cherry City!" There will be two categories for judging, Traditional and Non-Traditional Cherry pies and no pre-registration needed, the city said.

Participants should bring their pie, pie recipe (on a 3 x 5 inch index card) and completed entry form. Pies must be turned in between 11 and 11:30 a.m. to the Pie Contest Booth near the Main Stage and no late entries will be accepted.

“Judging will be held at the Cherry Festival,” the city said.

After the parade, attendees are invited to explore historic downtown San Leandro, enjoy lunch, and support local businesses.

“There will be a special Farmers’ Market at its new location – San Leandro Main Library, featuring plenty of cherries,” the city said.