The standout entries of this year’s Historic Folsom Hometown Parade were recognized Thursday evening during a public awards ceremony held just before the Twilight Concert Series performance at the Zittel Family Amphitheater. The awards are the results of the scores from the judges of the 2025 parade that took place just before Independence Day and saw over 80 entries this year.
Joined by Folsom Historic District Association (FHD) event coordinator Megan Frick, Grand Marshal Eric Adams presented five special awards to parade participants in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Organizers noted that this year’s parade featured a record-breaking number of entries.
“We are so happy about our annual Hometown Parade, and it was such a great turnout,” said Frick. “So many amazing entries—the most we’ve ever had. We expect next year to be even better, so we hope you come out the weekend before the Fourth of July, as always.”
The ceremony began with Adams unveiling that the 2025 Grand Marshal’s Choice of Excellence Award was being presented to local singer-songwriter Cynthia Renee, who performed her current radio release “Have a Heart for a Hero” along the parade route aboard the City of Folsom’s vintage fire engine this year.
Quick Quack Car Wash earned Best Commercial Entry for its colorful float featuring the company’s signature duck mascots, complete with real bubbles and more. The float was one of the largest in size in this year’s parade and is always a popular entry with the youngsters who enjoy the floating bubbles and lively characters.
Dignity Health Mercy Hospital, Folsom, received the Committee’s Choice award for their enthusiastic and community-focused entry, which included a spectacularly constructed float featuring a menagerie of finely detailed giant flowers. The entry boasted great detail and participation by members of the Dignity Health Mercy Hospital of Folsom staff and volunteers.
The Sutter Street Saloon Gals and Buckaroos were honored with the Most Unique Entry award for their old west–themed dance performance. This group has been part of the Hometown Parade since its inception and is always a lively part of the event.
The Best of Folsom Award went to the Folsom High School Marching Band. “This is a shock,” said Gaw Williams, music director for Folsom High School. “We’re just grateful to be part of it and get our students involved with the community. Please come out and see our Folsom music events and thank you so much for your support. We really appreciate it.”
The ceremony ended with celebration and applause by the packed amphitheater, which then played host to the evening’s Summer Twilight Concert Series.
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