A Pasadena tradition with a purpose returns this Sunday, November 1, as the Pasadena Business Association’s Harvest for the Hungry Caring & Sharing Parade celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The parade steps off from Tick Neck Park at 2 p.m., bringing floats, music and community spirit to local streets while collecting food for Pasadena-area pantries. This year’s theme is “Red, White, and Blue: Celebrating the American Flag.”
Planning to watch? Here’s what to know before you go.
Q: When is the parade, and how long does it last?
The parade takes place Sunday, November 1, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m. Once it steps off, it lasts approximately one hour.
Q: What’s the parade route?
The parade begins at Tick Neck Park and follows this route:
- Right onto Edwin Raynor Boulevard.
- Right onto Tick Neck Road.
- Right onto Crystal Palace Lane.
- Right onto Mansion House Crossing.
- Continue onto Notley Road.
- Right onto Duvall Highway, ending at Northeast High School’s front parking lot.
The reviewing stand will be in front of the Chesterfield Community Pool.
Q: I don’t live along the parade route. Where can I park to watch?
Public parking is available at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Tick Neck Road and at the Chesterfield Community Pool, 2940 Crystal Palace Drive.
Plan to arrive before the parade begins so you have time to park and find a viewing spot.
Q: Does it cost anything to attend?
Watching the parade is completely free! Spectators are encouraged to bring nonperishable food or monetary donations to support local Pasadena food pantries.
Q: What should I bring?
Bring a lawn chair, the family and, most importantly, nonperishable food to donate.
Collecting food for neighbors in need is the purpose behind this annual celebration. Members of the Northeast High School football team will collect donations from spectators along the route, so you can hand off your items as they pass.
Whether you bring one can or a whole bag, your contribution will help stock local pantry shelves ahead of the holiday season.
Q: Where do the food donations go?
Donations stay local, supporting food pantries such as Caring Cupboard, Opportunity Ministries, and community church pantries.
Q: Who’s in this year’s parade?
One exciting addition is Baltimore’s Marching Ravens, the Baltimore Ravens’ marching band, which will participate for the first time.
Spectators can also look forward to floats, community groups and other festive entries. Organizers are keeping a few surprises under wraps, but word is that some familiar Christmas characters may make an appearance.
Q: Who is this year’s Grand Marshal?
This year’s parade will have two grand marshals: former Pasadena Business Association Executive Directors Sandi Parrish and Carol Cross.
In celebration of the PBA’s 40th anniversary, the association is honoring both women for their years of leadership and service. Parrish served as executive director for more than 20 years, while Cross held the role before her for 18 years.
Q: I live along the route. When will road closures begin?
Police will begin rolling road closures at 2 p.m., temporarily closing portions of the route as the parade moves through.
Residents should plan trips around the parade and allow extra time when traveling nearby.
Q: What do parade participants need to know?
Participants must arrive by 12:30 p.m. Participant vehicles that are not being driven in the parade should park in Northeast High School’s front parking area off Duvall Highway.
Q: Will there be awards?
Yes. Entries will be judged in the following categories:
- Best Entry Overall
- Best Business Display on Float
- Best Patriotic Entry
- Most Original & Judges Award
- Best Community Entry
- Best Youth Group Entry
- Best Musical or Performance Entry
Q: Who organizes the parade, and how did it begin?
The Pasadena Business Association launched the parade in November 1996, with longtime PBA member Tom Redmond organizing the first event.
The idea was simple: bring the community together for a parade that also helps feed local families. Thirty years later, that “Parade with a Purpose” remains a beloved kickoff to the holiday season.
Q: Where can I find more information?
Visit the Pasadena Business Association’s website for more information about the parade.
