Swallow's Day Parade - Marching in the Italian Entry (Non-IALOC Event)

March 12, Saturday - SWALLOW’S DAY PARADE -

The 58th Annual Swallow’s Day Parade is on Saturday, March 12.  The weather is forecasted for mostly sunny skies... perfect for the Italian entry as we march carrying the 20 regional flags of Italy with pizza tossers, accordion player, Sons of Italy Queen, and due to popular demand from last year an entire group of Venetians dressed for Carnevale. Show our Italian pride along the parade route in front of 30,000 visitors, television cameras and radio stations.  Complete details are below for parking, shuttle service and our post parade party.  

Marching in the Italian Entry - Show your Italian pride by carrying a regional flag of Italy, dress like a Venetian for Carnavale, wear an Italian t-shirt or come and toss a pizza! To be a part of the Italian entry in the parade you need to meet the group by 9:30 am. Meeting location is the the same location as in the past - in the parking lot across from the Basilica Mission San Juan Capistrano on El Camino Real between Acjachema and Spring Streets. Each participant in the entry needs to sign, which must be completed by 10:00 am.  Marchers will be lining up at 10:30 am. The parade starts promptly at 11:00 am and we will start marching about 11:10 am and be done by 12 noon.  

The parade begins at the intersection of Ortega Hwy and Del Obispo Streets at 11:00 am and continues down Camino Capistrano.  Over 100 vendor booths, live music, activities for children and a wide variety of food and drinks will be featured at the Mercado Street Faire from 8:00am – 5:00pm along El Camino Real and throughout Historic Town Center Park. Streets close early (by 10am) but you can park and take advantage of a FREE parade day shuttle service from 8:00am to 5:30pm. Pickup points are at the Capistrano Business Park and Fluidmaster off of Rancho Viejo Rd, north of Junipero Serra. Come early with your family and enjoy a yummy pancake breakfast at the Women’s Club located at 31442 El Horno Street from 6:00am – 10:30am. For more information about the Swallows Day Parade, parking, shuttle and directions call 949.493.1976 or visit http://www.swallowsparade.com/shuttle.html

 Post Parade Party!!!12:30pm - 3:00pm This year’s post parade party at Zoomars couldn’t get any more ITALIAN! Hosted by owner Carolyn Franks, our spicy Italian from New Jersey. Chef Giuseppe from Cucina Caprese will bring his traditional wood burning pizza oven!  Fresh pizza, lasagna and Italian desserts will be served. Trader Joe’s of San Clemente will be on hand sampling their Trader Giotto’s cheese, salami, olive oil and bread. And for a Italian treat, Mustache Mike’s will be serving Italian ice! We will have beer, wine, soft drinks and water.  Jim Bianchi will keep you on our feet playing traditional Italian music.   Food and drink from Cucina Caprese & Mustache Mike's will be sold individually.  All are welcome whether you walk in the parade or just come for the party. Children participating will have free access to Zoomars Petting Zoo (http://zoomars.com).