The Peninsula Saddle Club encourages the community to participate in several parades throughout the year, and are the hosts of the Long Beach Rodeo Parade.
Ilwaco Children’s Parade
Everyone loves a parade. Especially children and veterans. Thankfully, each year in Ilwaco, Washington they have the opportunity to come together in celebration. They are in fact the kickoff event on Saturday morning of the Loyalty Day Weekend extravaganza, that happens in early May, after Friday night’s “Follies Talent Show”, and sets a lighthearted tone.
Throughout downtown Ilwaco, people gather in red, white, and blue as they enjoy entertainment and vendors in support of patriotism, with the Peninsula Saddle Club leading the way carrying local flags and local charters hosting free boat rides.
After the parade there is the Blessing of The Fleet, where boat riders bless those lost at sea, which is sponsored by the Ilwaco Charter Association. Afterwards, there is an Oyster Feed, sponsored by the Long Beach Elks BPOE #1937. A fun filled day for all generations. All in prep for Loyalty Day on Sunday.
Loyalty Day Parade
Since 1950, a few short years after the Peninsula Saddle Club came into existence, the Veterans of Foreign Wars began their Loyalty Day Celebration of patriotism at the coast. It occurs every year in Long Beach, Washington. Making it the longest consecutively-run loyalty day commemoration in the nation!
Each year the Peninsula Saddle Club has hosted a Cowboy Breakfast at the club grounds and proudly carried flags in the Loyalty Day Parade. This year they’ll happily do the same. And next year, and the year after that.
In addition to the entertainment along the Long Beach Boardwalk, there are fire truck rides for the kids, to keep the crowds busy as the parade takes formation and the floats are judged. Then after a motivational speech, the parade commences to the joy of all!
To find out more about either the Ilwaco Children’s Parade or the Loyalty Day Parade, and if so inclined, register to participate … please go to the Loyalty Days Website.
4th of July Parade
In grand old fashion, the Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce hosts a family focused 4th of July Parade, that ANYONE can enter!
During a laid back summer afternoon, families from all over the Pacific Northwest gather to celebrate independence in American style.
People come from far and wide to join. With food booths and local businesses out in full effect to support the festivities, and the Peninsula Saddle Club proudly carrying the American Flag for all to enjoy.
There are art walks and prizes for the best entrant. And, of course fireworks on the beach afterwards.
To find out more details, and/or enter the 4th of July Parade, visit the Ocean Park Chamber of Commerce Website.
Long Beach Rodeo Parade
What’s a rodeo without a parade? Well, the folks on the Long Beach Peninsula wouldn’t know. For three quarters of a century that’s been the way the Long Beach Rodeo has begun. With the Peninsula Saddle Club leading the way, on Friday evening, through downtown Long Beach, Washington.
Impromptu riders are encouraged to join to help launch an action packed weekend of RODEO TIME! The only requirement is western attire.
Saturday morning the professional rodeo begins, featuring traditional classics like saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, as well as, team, calf, and breakaway roping. Even the kids compete at barrel racing.
It’s a family focused weekend, that brings out the cowboy in an entire town. Around every corner are smiling faces dressed in cowboy boots, hat, and kerchiefs. Saturday evening is Family Night where the arena gets taken over by ‘kids’ riding stick horses, playing games, and goofing around with the clown. Children of ALL ages participate.
With delicious food, vendor booths selling cowboy paraphernalia, and a beer garden to round out the experience.
For more details about the Long Beach Rodeo click here.
We’d Love to Join Your Parade
Marilyn Carnahan
Call: 503-791-8870
Peninsula Saddle Club
6407 Sandridge Rd
Long Beach, WA 98631
Peninsula Saddle Club Email:
peninsulasaddleclub@gmail.com