After a tough winter and the 2004 elections, Kate Price thought "enough is enough." So, she decided to generate some joy in her community and create a celebration that would honor the creative, fun loving, artistic spirit in the town she loved and lived in, Occidental.

What about a Fool's Day Parade? As she talked to people in the community and the idea developed, the event started sounding a lot like the old "Silly Day" celebration that Zero the Clown (aka Ramon Sender) started in Occidental back in 1973.

Obviously, that spirit of silliness and tomfoolery lives in Occidental, because everyone was quick to embrace this newest incarnation of the fun-loving celebration. Within a few short years, the Occidental Fool's Day Parade has grown into a much-loved Sonoma County fete.

Come in costume and march in the parade. Or, come in costume and cheer from the sidelines. Or don't come in costume. Do what you want; do what makes your silly spirit soar--this is Occidental.

2010 Occidental Fools Parade Participation Guidelines 

If you want to be in the parade go to the Occidental Community Center at noon, corner of Graton Rd. and Bohemian Hwy.

In the effort to make this a stress free and successful event for all, we ask the following:

- No smoking in the parade.
- No advertising slogans/corporate logos /etc in your entry, with the exception of the local merchants.
- No religious themes, please.
- No motorized vehicles

Please be aware of your costume if you have dangling things that might catch, snag or knock over merchandise when entering shops. As a courtesy to merchants, please refrain from drumming or noise makers inside shops, unless, of course, it is requested.

Please follow the Occidental Fools Parade route and obey the guidance of the Fool crossing Guards who will be in strategic locations to assist you in crossing streets. Parade gathers at 12:00 at the Occidental Community Center.

At 1:00 we will dance down the side street behind the post office. Parade will go down one side of town and up the other. What happens then is anyone’s guess! The Coronation of the new King or Queen will happen in the middle of the parade.

Participation in the Parade is AT YOUR OWN RISK.  Please be responsible for your play.