Call it a last-minute parade entry or a special flyover, but this year’s Lompoc Valley Flower Festival Parade had a twist with the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket not long after the procession kicked off Saturday morning.
The parade, marking its 72nd edition, traveled south on North H Street and west on West Ocean Avenue before ending at Ryon Park.
Boasting approximately 60 entries, the parade entries displayed this year’s theme “Candy Land” in colorful ways, including carrying fake lollipops and other pretend sweet treats.
As the Falcon 9 roared away from Vandenberg Space Force Base, those waiting to begin their trek on the route, including members of the Northstar Penguins Guild, craned their necks to the sky as the SpaceX rocket launch became an unplanned part of the parade.
Waiting for this turn to begin traveling the route meant Mayor Jim Mosby could make some last-minute repairs stealing flowers from another area on the float to fill in a bald spot he blamed on glue not drying fast enough.
His entry, completed late Friday night, included large lollipops, a flowery rocket and plenty of colorful flowers thanks to a design boosted by artificial intelligence.
The modular design meant the float’s key elements including the rocket could sit inside overnight to be sheltered from weather and vandals.
“Flower Festival’s awesome,” he said, adding he hoped his entry inspired others to launch their own flower-adorned floats for future festivals after seeing a decline in recent years.
“People can see what we can do, a little reminiscent of old times,” Mosby said. ‘It’s a great thing for people to get out and enjoy the community.”
Another popular entry came from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Complex employees who cooked up a Willy Wonka theme to travel the route.
This year’s parade grand marshal, Kim Blea, owner of Tom’s, has been recognized as “a true example of dedication, kindness and community spirit,” according to organizers.
The four-day Flower Festival began Thursday and continues through Sunday at Ryon Park, with gates opening at 11 a.m.
Various vendors, food booths, carnival rides and live entertainment can be found at the festival’s final day.
The performances Sunday kick off with Live & Love Dance at noon, Garcia Dance Studio at 1 p.m., Banda La Reyna De SB at 4 p.m. and Banda Tierra Nueva at 5 p.m.
Richard Bean, the original voice of Malo, will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. Sunday followed by Tierra Legacy at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Festival admission to Ryon Park is $7 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 11 and free for children age 5 or younger.
For more information about the event organized by the nonprofit Lompoc Valley Festival Association go to the website at lompocvalleyfestivals.com or the Facebook page by clicking here.
