Dear readers - This photo essay is likely too long for email, and you will probably have to click through to the website to see it in its entirety.
The 2026 Apple Blossom Parade is the quintessential Sebastopol event. Despite the chill, there were hordes of people, fun costumes and tons of inventive, handmade floats inspired by this year’s theme, “Blossoms of Oz.”
Teresa Ramondo, a Sebastopol native and former longtime chamber executive director, now retired, said it best. The Apple Blossom Parade represents “the best parts of Sebastopol and who we are and want to be.”
And part of the charm is how it starts: with hundreds of empty camp chairs set out the night before, stretching all along the parade route.
In the morning, there are some last-minute logistics at Analy…
And then it begins. The first to roll are our first responders—police and fire—and then the Veterans of Foreign Wars. And after them, the whole panoply of Sebastopol.
The captions below are, for the most part, taken from the announcer’s patter during the parade.
The parade kicked off with Officer of the Year Sergeant Sal Villanueva.
Gold Ridge Fires had several trucks in the parade, including their newest addition, a Type 3 fire engine, which will be used locally and statewide for wildland fires. Other trucks carried burn survivors from Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.
The local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) is always near the top of the parade.
The producers of the Apple Blossom Parade: Sebastopol Chamber Director Mariah Volk (driving the golf cart on the left) and the indispensable Lori Jay (driving the golf cart on the right).
Two Dorothys: Citizen of the Year Cynthi Stefenoni and Lori Jay’s granddaughter Rylee Davis, the Apple Blossom princess. (Photo by Lori Jay)
Here they come! The Analy High School Band.
Sebastopol Mayor Jill McLewis led several other councilmembers through the parade route.
Sebastopol Cub Scout Pack 128
BSA Scouts Troop 27 - These groups are the ones who post American flags on holidays on Main Street. They also participate in service projects, camping, fundraising and fun. They’re open to anyone from kindergarten through 12th grade.
WESCO United Soccer is a local nonprofit whose mission is to provide a safe, fair and fun soccer experience for children ages 4 to 19 in western Sonoma County. Wesco United consists of a recreational soccer league and a select soccer league, with over 1,200 soccer players participating each year.
Balletto Vineyards included a full set of Wizard of Oz characters, including the tornado! John Balletto is a graduate of Analy High School, and the Balletto’s kindness and generosity can be felt throughout the area. Visit Balletto on Occidental Road to taste their award-winning wines and enjoy live music every weekend during the summer.
Riding on the Andy’s Market float were some of the grandchildren and great grandchildren of the market’s founding family, the Skikos.
Summerfield Waldorf school and Farm, the only school in the state integrating a certified biodynamic farm into their campus and the curriculum.
Hillcrest Middle School Band played a classic from “Wicked.”
Since 1952, the Sebastopol Wranglers have promoted equestrian culture through events that celebrate the bond between horse and rider.
Sebastopol Girl Scouts, Unit 105, reminds you to keep our emerald city, the city of Sebastopol, green.
Sanborn Tree Service has served Sonoma County for 51 years, keeping your trees—and the county—safe and healthy and green.
Brook Haven Middle School Band. At Brook Haven, a strong sense of community, celebration of diversity and lasting generational connections make Brook Haven a rich place for students to grow.
The Goodman family and friends are pulled by a 1948 tractor owned by Mike and Tabitha Goodman.
Park Side folklorico is in its eighth year and is led by former Parkside student and parent Antonia Garza. The group consists of 25 students with grades ranging from first to fourth grade. The students embody the beauty, culture and diversity that our small school community has to offer.
River to Coast Children Services is a Guerneville nonprofit offering subsidized childcare resources, referrals and support to families and providers in western Sonoma County.
Humane Society of Sonoma County gives life-saving care and helps find homes for over 1,600 animals a year.
Sparc, Sebastopol’s original Emerald City dispensary.
Twin Hill Middle School marching band played “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Sebastopol Eye Associates and Dermatology has been serving Sonoma County for over 50 years, offering comprehensive eye care, from glasses and contacts to medical and surgical procedures, and comprehensive skin care, including medical, surgical and cosmetic procedures.
The members of Harmony-Salmon Creek Spirit Squad cheerleading team pride themselves on being role models that encourage team building, sportsmanship and community.
Sebastopol Little League thanked all the past, present and future members and supporters for helping Sebastopol Little League continue to grow and thrive.
4H believes in empowering young people to make the best better by using their head, heart, hands and health to learn, grow and give back to their community.
Gold Ridge Organic Farm gave a ride to folks from Land Paths and Growing Independent. The farm has 88 acres of organic olives, citrus and 70 varieties of heirloom apples. Notice the hand painted apples on this trolley? Each one is an exact replica of a real variety grown on the farm. (Photo from the Gold Ridge Organic Farm Facebook)
West County Transportation was founded in 1988. Their mission is to provide safe, coordinated and cost-effective transportation. They are student-centered organizations striving to meet the needs of families and schools.
Double Dorothys for Park Landscape Maintenance, a family-owned company offering both landscape maintenance and installation services.
The Sebastopol FFA chapter is proud to grow the next generation of agricultural leaders through hands on learning leadership and community service.
Sebastopol’s trash service, Sonoma County Resource Recovery, reminds you that good witches recycle.
Exchange Bank has been serving Sonoma County since 1890.
Willowside Middle School marching band. Go OakGrove and Willowside!
Since 1973, Sonoma County Farm Trails has been on a mission to see “farms forever” in Sonoma County. They produce the Gravenstein Apple Fair, and this year the theme of the fair is “Where joy takes root.”
Fircrest Market proudly sponsors Plan Bee, a local kinetic sculpture team featuring whimsical mobile crafts and happy little bees.
Sebastopol Hardware, your locally owned one-stop shop for all your hardware, garden, pets, paint and clothing needs, celebrating 60 years of serving the West County community. Remember Super Saturday!
Taylor Dance, a fun and inclusive ballroom dance program for teens here in Sonoma County, where students learn partner dancing, teamwork and confidence while having a blast.
Community First Credit Union is “here for good” as a long-standing member of this parade and community.
Esforço Dance from San Rafael is all about inclusion—any race, age, size, dance background and sexual orientation is welcome to celebrate life through dance, music, and color.
Thrive Design Build is excited to be back specializing in remodels and ground up construction. They help dream homes blossom into reality.
The Hubbub Club Street Band keeps the music flowing.
The Sebastopol Kiwanis Club produces the July 3 Independence Day celebration. They’ll be celebrating 250 years of our democracy. 2026 is their 53rd year producing the event.
Blue Star Gas Northern California has been providing homes, farms, wineries and local businesses with reliable power solutions since 1938.
Sebastopol Christian Church says, “More love, more peace, more Jesus.”
West County Girls Softball is a recreational fastpitch softball program dedicated to the skill and social development of girls from ages 5 to 16 years old. Their goal is to make softball an enjoyable experience and bring girls together in friendship and competition.
The Elsie Allen Marching Band was the only Sonoma County band to march at Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebration and they’ll be doing it again this year.
The cheer component of the Sebastopol Sharks Youth Football and Cheer which is a not-for-profit located in Sebastopol and striving to bring kids, coaches and our community together.
Jim Corbett (Mr. Music) was passing out flyers for Peacetown’s 14th annual summer concert series, which returns to Ives Park beginning June 13, lasting 15 weeks, through Sept. 9. Free live music, weekly art displays, beer and wine, food trucks, great music.
“Loving the world, one song at a time.” You’re invited to come to the Love Choir Sing-Along Mondays, 5:30-7:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange. No experience necessary, just show up and sing. Led by Mr. Music.
Follow the yellow brick road to the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm and the West County Museum, which are both projects of the Western Sonoma County Historical Society.
The Sonoma County Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary of the United States Air Force. They are an all-volunteer unit supporting emergency services. They offer aerospace education and cadet programs.
Compassion Without Borders creates brighter futures for animals in need on both sides of the border. They rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the most at-risk animals, while providing essential care to those least likely to receive help due to financial, geographic and cultural barriers.
Redwood Pal Golden Bears Youth Football and Cheer are proud that one of their cheer teams took first at Regionals and second at Nationals.
The first of long line of vintage hot rods…
This beautifully restored 1941 Plymouth business coupe is a tribute to the San Francisco Giants baseball team. Owners, Pat and Jolene of Occidental, are lifelong fans of the orange and black. Go Giants!
Sonoma County Fire District EMS is a partnership between Sonoma County Fire District and Medic Ambulance. SCFD EMS is your primary 911 ambulance provider for central Sonoma County and surrounding communities.
Dancing is fun with the Redwood Rainbows Square Dance Club. Enhance your brain, your body and your smile power. Join them for free introductory classes at the beautiful Wischemann Hall starting in September.
Miss Sonoma County Addison Carver (left), Miss North Bay Lanei Benga and Miss North Bay Teen Taylor Hannon.
Step back in time with the Rewind Arcade, Sonoma County’s retro gaming destination, featuring 80s and 90s arcade games, pinball machines and a craft beer wall.
Local family in their 1966 Ford Mustang.
The Sebastopol Library seems to have landed on Wicked Witch of the West.
Located in East Santa Rosa Spring Lake Middle School provides a student-centered, project-based learning environment where technology, fine arts and service learning are foundational.
Redwood Credit Union is thrilled to support the Apple Blossom Parade in its 80th year. Stop by RCU Sebastopol branch where your financial dreams can take root and grow.
Rotary Clubs of Sebastopol believe in service above self and have been sharing their dedication and good works with the community for over 100 years.
Rotary Teachers of the Year award-winners Calli Behler in the car on left and, in the car on the right, Allie Johnston (left) and Sasha Prosser (right).
This is just one car from the Rolling Rosie’s Car Club, an all-female Classic Car Club and nonprofit organization that supports local causes and groups that focus on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and at-risk youth.
Just two of many tractors from the Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association.
The Archbishop Riordon High School band is known as one of the top marching bands in San Francisco and just a couple of months ago, they had the honor of appearing at Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Kind Hearts Academy is a play-based program, offering preschool and after-school enrichment programs and camps throughout the year.
Sebastopol Center for the Arts and the Sebastopol Area Senior Center teamed up this year.
This group, which wasn’t announced, was possibly a guerilla action supporting the Fourth Amendment: “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Harmony Farm Supply and Nursery is a renowned resource for best practices in land stewardship. With their knowledgeable staff and earth-friendly products, they are a leader in organic agriculture and gardening for better growing from the ground up.
The mission of the Graton Day Labor Center is to promote healthy communities that value tolerance and respect so that laborers, domestic workers and their families may live and work with justice and dignity.
Here comes Bonnie’s Bagels which will offer hand-rolled, kettle boiled bagels inspired by the east coast with a California touch. They will be opening soon across the street from the West County Museum on Main Street.
Graton’s very own neighborhood yoga studio, Deep Roots Yoga and Wellness is open for daily classes, workshops, events and more.
Papas Y Pollos is celebrating over 30 years in business in Sebastopol. They wrote a whole song for the occasion of the parade.
The Paw Spa offers upscale self-service and full service dog grooming.
The Sonoma County Shriners are a fraternal organization that fosters fellowship and camaraderie among members and serves the community in ways consistent with the broader Shriners International mission of philanthropy and service.
North Bay Derby is a flat-track roller derby league. Their goal is to foster athletic opportunities while promoting ideals of teamwork, inclusivity, community involvement, and fun.
The Sonoma County Sheriff with their water rescue boat.
And it all ended, as usual, with the complimentary washing down of the children of the community by the Graton Fire Department.
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Great coverage!
Very fun to get the description of each group, nice work!