2024 Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Guide

Page 1

SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2024

Downtown San Juan Capistrano

WELCOME

64th annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire

A Welcome Message from San Juan Capistrano Mayor Sergio Farias

Fellow residents,

I invite you to celebrate the 64th annual San Juan Capistrano Swallows Day Parade! This cherished tradition marks the return of our feathered friends and embodies the spirit of our community — rich in history, vibrant in culture, and in celebration of allthings San Juan Capistrano.

On Saturday, March 23, witness the magic unfold as our historic streets transform into a kaleidoscope of colors and melodies. Come and celebrate our iconic parade featuring equestrian riders and lively music. Immerse yourself in the Mercado Street Faire, brimming with delicious food, handcrafted treasures and engaging activities for everyone.

This year’s theme, “Saddle Up

San Juan,” promises a rootin’ tootin’ good time for all ages. Come together, residents and visitors, to honor tradition, embrace community spirit and revel in the joy of spring’s arrival. So, mark your calendars, hop on a free trolley downtown and join your friends

and neighbors for an unforgettable day!

See you there!

Warmly,

Sergio Farias

MAYOR

San Juan Capistrano

3
by the San
The
Times and the San Clemente Times. Copyright: No articles, illustrations, photographs or other editorial matter or advertisements herein may be reproduced without written permission of the SJC Fiesta Association and Picket Fence Media. Picket Fence Media is located at 34932 Calle del Sol, Ste. B, Capistrano Beach, CA, 92624. Phone 949.388.7700, fax 949.388.9977, thecapistranodispatch. com. Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Proudly printed in the USA. SWALLOWDAYSPARADE.ORG
The
64th Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire event guide is produced in partnership
Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association and Picket Fence Media, publishers of
Capistrano Dispatch, Dana Point

PRESIDENT’S

Celebrating 64 years of the Swallows Day Parade!

It has been my honor to serve on the board of directors for this amazing organization. Never have I met such selfless, giving and caring people dedicated to serving their community.

I would like to thank the city of San Juan Capistrano and all of our sponsors for their unwavering support to ensure that this historic event continues. Our volunteers are simply the best and we could not even consider doing this without all of their invaluable help.

We have tried for many years to steer the Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire toward a more family-friendly environment, and the past two years have shown us that we have succeeded. Last year, I saw more strollers than ever at the parade.

Thank you to all of our attendees for helping us make this a successful event.

I hope you enjoy the 64th annual Swallows Day Parade and the Mercado Street Faire.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LOOKING TO JOIN FIESTA?

Support the Swallows Day Parade by becoming a member of the SJC Fiesta Association Visit swallowsdayparade.org.

4
Jim Taylor PRESIDENT
2024
San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association Jim Taylor El Presidente Michelle Erca 1st VP/Mercado Chair Dave Euzarraga 2nd VP/Asst. Sheriff K.C. Shepard Secretary/Membership Chair Jennifer Pointer Treasurer/Taste of San Juan Chair/El Presidente Ball Chair Karen Stine Parade Coordinator Dan Clark Asst. Parade Coordinator Jonathan Jenkins Publicity/Website/Pet Parade Chair Daniele Smith Sponsorship/VIP Pavilion Gregg Clapper Logistics Jimmy Ferguson Fiesta Grande Chair
MESSAGE
2024
Steven Congleton Sheriff

Exceptional Memory Care in San Juan Capistrano

5 At Serra Sol, we add warmth to memory care. From learning about each resident - their likes, dislikes, and more - to offering a variety of lifeenriching activities and daily bus rides, our caring and expertly trained staff will treat your loved one like family.
New all-inclusive rates start at $7,995 monthly. Companion and private apartments are available. RCFE: 306005946 31451 Avenida Los Cerritos, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Experience Serra Sol for yourself. Schedule your tour today. 949-485-2022 | SerraSol.com

A VISITOR’S GUIDE

TO SWALLOWS DAY

Annually, without a doubt, the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano. The migration rings in the historic day when locals and travelers take in the Swallows Day Parade in March, bringing a breath of life onto the streets and businesses along the route.

Celebrants at the parade enjoy the diversity of cultures and organizations. Food and drinks are aplenty as are horses trotting through the city, meeting friends old and new.

This year marks the 64th annual Swallows Day Parade for this South Orange County city. For many, this event marks the return of the flighted birds, but also a time to join in the community and celebrate a years-long tradition with one of the last non-motorized parades in the United States. The parade and the Mercado Street Faire on Saturday, March 23, are part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, or Festival of the Swallows. The festivities will be in Historic Downtown San Juan Capistrano, filled with many restaurants and businesses. The parade starts promptly at 11 a.m.

To ensure the enjoyment of all who partake in the event, here are some helpful tips.

ARRIVE EARLY

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, which organizes and presents the event, recommends arriving as early as possible, as most streets close at 10 a.m.

TAKE free transportation

To avoid the hassle of trying to find parking, take a convenient shuttle bus from designated areas. The shuttle is free and runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Shuttle bus parking can be found at Fluidmaster (30800 Rancho Viejo Road) and the Capistrano Business Plaza (30250 Rancho Viejo Road).

The shuttle bus will drop off at the corner of El Horno and La Matanza Streets, which is a quick walk to downtown.

Visitors may also take the Metrolink to the San Juan Capistrano station to avoid parking. Walking from the station to downtown is just one traffic light.

6
7 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT San Juan resident and Community Activist Miss Fiesta for the 2023 Swallows Day Parade DANIELE SMITH Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2024 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

EVENTS SWALLOWS DAY

THE MERCADO STREET FAIRE

Before the parade kicks off, check out the Mercado Street Faire, located on El Camino Real between Forster and Old Mission Road, for a little taste of everything. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event, Kid Zone in the Historic Town Center Park, hosts vendors with food, a wide variety of shopping, including Western wear, and even country music. Along with vendors, there is a family entertainment and kid’s play zone.

THE SWALLOWS DAY PARADE

Saturday’s main event, the eventful and colorful parade, kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be followed by awards at 2 p.m., in the Historic Town Center Park during the Mercado Street Faire. The long-lasting tradition, the parade’s non-motorized form features horse-drawn floats, carriages, wagons, plenty of music and demonstrations headed through downtown.

Stay in San Juan Capistrano and Enjoy the Town After the Parade

As the festivities come to a close, that does not mean the fun has to stop in the growing town of San Juan Capistrano. There are plenty of things to do and enjoy in the blooming downtown, including restaurants, antique shops, and even some quiet spots around town like Los Rios Park. And, of course, there’s Mission San Juan Capistrano for a quick history lesson, or Swallow’s Inn to close out the day with adult beverages and Western music.

8
9

2024 GRAND MARSHAL MATT GAFFNEY

This year’s grand marshal is a lifelong San Juan Capistrano resident and a well-known contributor to many of the city’s significant developments. Leading the 64th annual Swallows Day Parade will be Matt Gaffney.

Missing only one Swallows Day Parade — in 1971 due to his two-year stint in the Navy during the Vietnam War — Gaffney has been marching in the parade since its founding years. He participated as a Boy Scout, or a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3801 and American Legion Post 721, for which he was a twotime post commander.

When he was a child, he helped his father organize the Swallows Day Parade and other notable city happenings. His participation in the parade runs deep. Gaffney, who owes his love of San Juan Capistrano to his father, carried the Division 1 banner in 1963. He was involved in crowd control as a Cub Scout in Pack Thirteen Den One and a Boy Scout in Troop 176. He was the first Boy Scout in San Juan Capistrano to attain the Ad Altare Dei Catholic award.

Gaffney has spent much of his life giving back to the community, on various town boards and commissions since 1986; as a San Juan Capistrano Historical Society member since 1993 and a board member from 2003 onward; as a chair and

vice chair of the traffic and transportation commission between 1986 and 1992.

Some would say his most significant effort came as a member of the Open Space Committee from its inception in 2006 to 2010. The group secured the passage of Measure Y, which reserved open space for San Juan Capistrano residents. They built four parks in a year and a half — against the odds — including his favorite project, Reata Park off of Ortega Highway.

Outside of his work with the city, Gaffney coached girls softball and boys football at Mission Parish School while his daughter, Laura, was a student. He won three championships in four years for football and is proud to have taught so many great kids throughout his time coaching.

While coaching, he co-founded the Mission School Booster Club and participated in as much as he could throughout his time at the school.

While doing all this, Gaffney attended Saddleback College to earn an insurance license to open Matt Gaffney Insurance in 1976.

Joining Gaffney for the parade on the float will be his wife, daughter, son-in-law, two grandkids, brother, and sister-in-law. He looks forward to his family gathering to celebrate the city’s legacy.

THE PARADE’S FIRST GRAND MARSHALS WERE BARBARA STANWYCK, A POPULAR AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS, AND AUDIE MURPHY, ONE OF THE MOST DECORATED AMERICAN COMBAT SOLDIERS OF WORLD WAR II.

PAST HONOREES

GRAND MARSHALS

Barbara Stanwyck, Audie Murphy

Scotty Clayson

John Rovick (Sheriff John)

Buddy Ebsen (actor)

Claude Akins (actor)

Monty Montana (actor)

James Drury (The Virginian)

Gary Vinson

Richard Arlen (actor)

George Putnam with Special Guest: President Richard M. Nixon

Buck Taylor (actor)

Roberta Lynn (Champagne Lady)

Bill Skiles, Pete Henderson, Jimmy Rogers

Andy Devine (actor)

Jeanette Nolan (Dirty Sally)

Brad Gates (OC Sheriff)

Monty Montana (actor)

Jock Mahoney (actor)

Iron Eyes Cody (actor)

Richard O’Neill, Alice Avery

Leon René

Pat O’Malley (actor)

C. Fulton Shaw

Tony Moiso

Brian Goodell (Olympic gold medalist)

Monsignor Paul Martin

Carl Bucheim (San Juan’s first mayor)

Dan Haggerty (actor)

Todd Hart

Rusty Richards (actor/horse trainer)

Peter Sherayko (actor)

Shelley Taylor Morgan (actress)

Larry Bucheim

Tony Forster

Teeter Marie Oliveras Romero

Gilbert G. Aguirre

George Avila

Bill and Pat Bathgate

John and Marie Lacouague

Elarion M. “Larry” Hernandez

Joan Irvine Smith

Melvin M. Rosenbaum

Bill Webb, Julian Ramos, Pat Forster, Tom Hribar, William Zintl

Monsignor Paul Martin

Paul and Betty Valenzuela

Shigeru “Shig” and Miyeko Kinoshita

Gary and Collene Campbell

Millie and Gil Jones

Kay Shaw

Melitas Forster

Wyatt Hart

Arturo and Maria Galindo

Bill and Joan Cvengros

Joe Soto

Jim Curwood

Ricardo Beas

Sam Allevato

Steve Nordeck

Steve Oedekirk

Silvia Mazzeo Pule

Scott and Diana Schmitt

Robert Ridland

10 YEAR 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020-22 2023

At Fairmont San Juan Capistrano, we view each student as unique, so we prioritize a personalized approach to their learning. Low student-to-teacher ratios, coupled with differentiated instruction, allow our gifted and caring teachers to meet students right where they are — academically, socially, and emotionally. We invite you to visit our campus and learn what the gift of a Fairmont education could mean in the life of your child.

11 FairmontSchools.com/SJC | (714) 984-0289 Serving Preschool - 12th Grade
WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU 5:30 - 7:30 PM MARCH 21 OPEN HOUSE RSVP TODAY

THROUGH THE YEARS:

A LOOK BACK AT PARADE DAY

The Swallows Day Parade has been a staple of San Juan Capistrano for decades … but what exactly did those events look like? The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society provided a glimpse into the past and celebrations gone by.

Kathrine Dana Shaw Remembered

Publicist, Philanthropist and a Driving Force Behind the Swallows Day Parade

On January 8, 2024, South Orange County lost an amazing citizen. Kathrine “Kay” Dana Shaw passed away at the age of 102. To say that her life was well-lived is an understatement.

Her mother had instilled in her the dedication that Richard Henry Dana Jr. had done in his life by helping unfortunate sailors. She was the oldest surviving relative of Dana, the city of Dana Point’s namesake. Kay’s mother also encouraged her to become a writer like Dana, but Shaw’s life took other twists and turns.

Born in Mesa, Arizona, on April 28, 1921, Kay was raised in poverty following the untimely death of her deputy sheriff father, vowing to help her mother and siblings. She moved with her mother to California when she was young, and after the death of her mother, she was fortunate to be adopted by an uncle, Ilif Ross Dana, who not only encouraged her to study and learn but gave her a sense of faith.

she leased. There, she produced and performed in plays and also did publicity for Old MacDonald’s farm, a petting zoo on the Knott’s property. It was managed by C. Fulton Shaw. The rest, as they say, is history.

The Shaws were married in 1959. Shaw owned a ranch in San Juan Capistrano that became their home. They were involved in many business and community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, the SJC Fiesta Association, and the Women’s Club, as well as several religious and political organizations. In 1960, Fulton Shaw joined with four other local residents – Reginald Erickson, Henry Stewart, Carl Buckheim and Larry Buckheim – to incorporate the city of San Juan Capistrano, according to Pam Gibson’s book, TwoHundred YearsinSanJuanCapistrano . In 1961, the township of San Juan Capistrano became a city.

In her early 20s, she decided to pursue a career in acting and started Catherine Coleman’s Charm School, an etiquette school, later going to work for Knott’s Berry Farm, where she became a publicity writer and put on plays at the Bird Cage Theatre that

Shaw also wanted to bring business to San Juan Capistrano and came up with the idea for the non-motorized aspect of the Swallows Day Parade. Kay did the publicity. She said that she worked the hardest to get marching bands into the parade, because she really liked marching bands. It also was Kay’s idea to bring in TV and motion picture cowboy stars as grand marshals to gain more publicity for the parade.

12

LIVE MUSIC

13 Five Generations of the Most Authentic Mexican Cuisine RicardosPlaceSJC.com 32082 Camino Capistrano San Juan Capistrano 92675 949-493-4941 ricabuenocatering@gmail.com RICARDO’S PLACE RESTAURANT Tuesday to Friday 11am to 9pm • Saturday & Sunday 9am to 9pm • Monday Closed
Wed / Thurs / Sun Starts at 5:30 pm

MS. FIESTA JENNIFER POINTER

SEÑOR SAN JUAN TONY POINTER and

For the 64th annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, Jennifer and Tony Pointer stand as honored representatives of the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, showcasing their dedication to community service and involvement. “We’ve been part of the Fiesta Association for around five years,” Tony remarked. “However, my involvement with the parade dates back to my arrival in San Juan in 1977, whether as a participant with the Cub Scouts, the Capistrano Valley High School marching band, or later on when I served with the Orange County Fire Authority as a volunteer first responder. I’ve only missed being a spectator for the parade once, the year our daughter was born.”

Tony’s involvement in and around San Juan Capistrano is extensive. He has led safety efforts for the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association’s emergency and volunteer response and has been a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) since 2002 as an instructor and board member. Professionally, he works as the Orange County Fire Watch manager for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, focusing on pre-wildfire prevention and volunteer management.

Jennifer has also dedicated herself to the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association for approximately five years, assuming the role of treasurer this year. Her participation in the Swallows

Day Parade spans various organizations, including the Girl Scouts, Laguna Beach High School marching band, and others. Like Tony, Jennifer is deeply committed to volunteerism, having contributed to San Juan Elementary, Girl Scouts, Sea Scouts, Elks Lodge, and as a CERT member since 2003. Jennifer works as a marketing communications specialist for Epson in Los Alamitos.

“We just don’t know how not to volunteer,” Jennifer said. They delight in exploring the ever-changing downtown, indulging in new restaurant experiences, and attending community theater performances. “We love the various offerings of our town, whether it’s enjoying drinks or dinner with friends at restaurants or wineries,” Tony added. “There’s always so much to see and do while wandering around.”

Lighted

Range

Sports Bar Open for

Live Music Every Weekend

One of Orange County’s

Host Your Special Event or Golf Tournament

14
#1 Golf Course by O.C. Register 2022
Voted Orange County’s
Driving
Open
until 10:00pm
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Top Wedding Locations
JOIN THE IN-CLUB Receive the BEST rates and discounts throughout the year! 32120 San Juan Creek Road | San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 | www.SanJuanHillsGolf.com

BAD TO THE BONE BBQ

live music

happy hour & LUNCH Specials

full bar with 25 craft beers

FULL-SERVICE CATERING • banquets • weddings • event center

15

El Presidenté Ball (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 9)

The SJC Fiesta Association celebrates San Juan Capistrano’s beginnings when horses and wagons were the main way of travel. The Old West celebration is supported with food, music and costume contests throughout the night. Attendees will get a small taste of what the parade has to offer later in the month.

Fiesta Grandé (6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 20) Swallow’s Inn

31786 Camino Capistrano

Another night filled with true Wild West fun takes place at the Swallow’s Inn. Contests with categories such as Best Outlaw, Best Dressed Western Man and Woman, and Best Belt Buckle are set for the night, along with entertainment. It’s sure to give patrons a night not to be forgotten.

16 fJ+--.......,..,�:1 ��.���_Breakfast I o,oo a.m. to 10,00 a.m. I 1' fr-� � /i I --------· BEHIND THE SIDE GATE AT I THE ROTARY SCOUT HUT 31372 La Matanza St, SJC [!I Rotary. iJ �L A Fundra,ser Sponsored by � The Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano ��� The 64th Annual Swallows Day March 23, 2024 Yummy!FULL BREAKFAST Pancakes, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs Donation –Adults $8 Kids $5 (under 12) 27131 Calle Arroyo, Suite 1722 San Juan Capistrano, 92675 (949) 627-0061 SATURDAY, MARCH 23 ACJACHEMA ST. DON JUAN AVE. EL HORNO ST. LA ZANJA EL CAMINO REAL LA CALERA ST. Shuttle Parking and Pickup PARADE END RANCHO VIEJO LA MATANZA MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SOCCER FIELD TENNIS COURTS FLUIDMASTER 30800 Rancho Viejo Rd. Free Shuttle • Runs 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Heritage Staging Area Library Rotary Pancake Breakfast Equestrian Awards PLAZA CAPISTRANO BUSINESS PARK 30200 Rancho Viejo Shuttle Drop-off AND Pickup SWALLOWS DAY
El Adobe de Capistrano 31891 Camino Capistrano
MORE THAN JUST THE PARADE AND FAIRE
THERE’S

CAPISTRANO

HTC PARK: Lost & Found

SJC Fiesta Association Command Post

Walking Group & Band Awards

Playhouse

PARADE START

Swallow’s Inn

VIP PORCH

Heritage Barbecue

In the days leading up to the big day, the SJC Fiesta Association hosts numerous fun activities to celebrate and get the community excited to have a good time.

Hoos’Gow Day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 22)

The streets of San Juan Capistrano

On this day, it might be best to wear some sort of Western adornment otherwise you might end up in “jail” by a costumed SJC Fiesta Association-appointed “sheriff” and “deputies.” They will roam the streets to find those who are deemed to be “city slickers,” in need of time in the Hoos’Gow, or any clean-shaven man. Jail sentences are short for those who can make “bail” by donation to the SJC Fiesta

Association.

Frog Jumping Contest (4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 22)

Los Rios Park

31831 Los Rios Street

The annual SJC Fiesta Association’s family-friendly frog jumping contest means entertainment and prizes—and a possible sighting of Mark Twain, who will tell patrons about the original frog-jumping contest in Calaveras County.

VOTED BEST PET CARE/GROOMING 9 YEARS IN A ROW! Ask about our new/recurring client discounts! 28452 Airoso Street, Rancho Mission Viejo 32423 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano www.thezuripetspa.com

Dermatopathology Voted Best Of SJC Spot Dr

Hure before the parade passing out free sunscreen!

Orange County SkinLab

31899 Del Obispo St , #130

San Juan Capistrano

949 359 6400

www ocskinlab com dermatology@ocskinlab.com

17
YORBA ST.
ORTEGA HWY. SPRING ST. FORSTER ST.
I-5 FWY MERCADO
RD.
VIEJO
CAMINO CAPISTRANO JUAN CAPISTRANO DELOBISPO
El Adobe PARK Rd.
MAP & EVENTS
Dermatology
&

JUNIOR DIGNITARIES

NATALIE CORREA MORALES and BENJAMIN BROOKS

The 2024 youth representatives for the Swallows Day Parade are fifth graders from San Juan Elementary School. Natalie Correa Morales enjoys her math classes because there is so much to learn in that subject. She admits to loving a good game of tag with her friends during recess — but not with all the rain this year. Natalie adores soccer; she plays defense for her team.

This isn’t Natalie’s first time being in the parade. As a third-grade student, she marched with her karate team, and returned with her fourth-grade class the following year. She is very excited to return this year as Junior Miss Fiesta, and talk with everyone in the crowd, and help represent San Juan Capistrano.

Benjamin Brooks loves his history classes and learning about the country’s evolution. He is quite a sports fan. Benjamin golfs with his father, plays outfield or third base in baseball, and serves as a point guard in basketball. He also deeply loves his two retriever mix dogs, about which he learned more through a DNA test last summer.

For Benjamin, Junior Señor San Juan, this is his first time in the Swallows Day Parade. But he is excited to dress up in the uniform with his parents, who are a part of the SJC Fiesta Association, and see his older sister and brother in the crowd.

TEEN AMBASSADOR

SAVANNAH ERCA

The title of “Teen Ambassador” is making its debut at the 64th annual Swallows Day Parade.

Savannah Erca, a 15-year-old sophomore at San Clemente High School, is honored to be the first Teen Ambassador.

“It was very exciting to hear that I was named Teen Ambassador. This is the first year having it, so I’m excited to be the first person to take that position,” she said.

Savannah’s mother, Michelle, the SJC Fiesta Association’s 1st Vice President and Mercado Chair, introduced her daughter to the Swallows Day Parade. Savannah has helped with setup and running a kids’ concession booth in the Mercado Street Faire

Savannah, who enjoys her math classes and hanging out with her friends, was chosen as Teen Ambassador thanks to her experience on parade day.

“I’ve never formally been in the Swallows Day Parade, but I’ve been working with the (SJC) Fiesta Association for around seven years,” Savannah said. “I love being able to hang out with my mom and help set up the Mercado in the morning and help any way I can throughout the day. It’s a lot of fun.”

18
19 JSerra Catholic High School 26351 Junipero Serra Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949.493.9307 admissions@jserra.org #LionNation FAITH INTELLECT CHARACTER At JSer studen connections through retreats, service projects, mission trips, and diverse outreach initiatives. This foundational aspect of our educational philosophy plays a pivotal role in instilling virtues of compassion and generosity, guiding our college-bound students towards a wellrounded and values-driven future A CONNECTED A CONNECTED SCAN TO LEARN MORE!
20 Terms and Conditions apply. All Loans subject to credit approval. NMLS #537388. Member FDIC. We are proud to support the 2024 Swallows Day Parade Join us. Online & Mobile Banking | Checking & Savings Accounts CDs & IRAs | Home Loans
21 CEFALI & CEFALI, APC • INJURY ATTORNEYS • INTEGRITY | EMPATHY | ADVOCACY WE HAVE RECOVERED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR OUR CLIENTS. CEFALI & CEFALI, APC 27130 Paseo Espada, Ste 521, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 P: (877) 4-CEFALI E: info@callcefali.com F: (949) 203-3332 Proud Sponsor of the 64th Annual SWALLOWS DAY PARADE #1 Builders Supply Store Anyone interested in joining the SJC Fiesta Association is welcome to become a member and contribute to the history of San Juan Capistrano. Visit swallowsdayparade.org for more information.

SJC FIESTA ASSOCIATION

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to producing the Swallows Day Parade and related events.

We could not succeed without the support of our community, our sponsors, donors and, of course, our volunteers!

The Swallows Day Parade is 100 percent community-funded. We pay for the parade through sponsorships, donations, fundraising and merchandise sales.

If you would like to make a donation to help fund the 64th annual Swallows Day Parade, please visit our website and click on the DONATE link.

If you would like to join our mailing list, please visit our website or scan the QR code.

Thank You!

www.SwallowsDayParade.org

22
ABOUT THE

2024 KIDS’

PET PARADE

GIVING FAMILIES A CHANCE TO SHOW UNIQUE ANIMALS

The Scooby Doo Mystery Machine featuring a cat, a banana split dog, and a singular bird were all part of the festivities featured at the 2024 Kids’ Pet Parade that took place on Saturday, February 24, at Los Ríos Park. The annual showcase organized by the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association leading up to the Swallows Day Parade gives a chance for kids and families to show off their favorite animals.

PET PARADE WINNERS

TEAM COSTUME

Dog Max (Vincent Diaz Isela and Franco Diaz)

BIRD

Sammy (Ellie Mussleman)

KID AT HEART

Kelly Hammond from Love Bug Rescue with her dog Lucia

EXOTIC PET

Rabbit named Honey Bunny (Zoe Reyes)

DOMESTIC PET

Dog Marshall (Elise Helsel)

Taste of San Juan

KICKS OFF FIESTA CELEBRATION

In between rainstorms, more than 200 food aficionados gathered at San Juan Hills Golf Club on Thursday, Feb. 1, for the 30th annual Taste of San Juan, kicking off the Fiesta de las Golondrinas and 2024 Swallows Day Parade festivities.

San Juan Capistrano’s finest restaurants, pubs and wineries showcased their signature culinary offerings and competed for recognition in various categories.

The winners, as voted by those who sampled all of the local delicacies:

Favorite Overall Restaurant, winner of the Swallows Cup: Five Vines Wine Bar.

Favorite Appetizer: 1st place – Ellie’s Table (Pork Belly Bao); Honorable mention – Five Vines Wine Bar (Roasted Poblano Veggie Chowder).

Favorite Main Dish: 1st place – Rancho Capistrano Winery (Filet Mignon); Honorable mention – Five Vines Wine Bar (Grilled Flat Iron Steak over Root Vegetable Mash Topped with a Creamy Bourbon Sauce).

Favorite Original Dish: 1st place – Ellie’s Table (Pork Belly Bao); Honorable mention – Ysidora Restaurant & Lounge, Inn at the Mission (Adobo Braised Short Rib with Cilantro Mashed Potatoes and Pasilla Sauce).

Favorite Dessert: 1st place – Rancho Capistrano Winery (Whiskey Bundt Cake); Honorable Mention – Bad to the Bone BBQ (Salted Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding).

Participating restaurants: Acai Republic, Bad to the Bone BBQ, Basil Brazil Cuisine, Campesino Cafe @ The Ecology Center, El Adobe de Capistrano, El Zarandeado Restaurant, Ellie’s Table, Farm Fresh Home Foods, Five Vines Wine Bar, Hennessey’s Tavern, Heritage BBQ, La Michoacana Ice Cream, Nothing Bundt Cakes (San Clemente), Paddy’s Station, Parmiss Restaurant, Rancho Capistrano Winery, SJH Sports Bar & Grill, Sol Agave, Sundried Tomato American Bistro, Tavern at the Mission, Thai Juan On, Trevor’s at the Tracks and Ysidora Restaurant & Lounge (Inn at the Mission).

The event was sponsored by F&M Bank, RRM Design Group and Cefali & Cefali Personal Injury Attorneys. Live music was performed by the Doo-Wah Riders.

23

THE HISTORY OF THE SWALLOWS DAY PARADE

Dating back to the 1950s, the Swallows Day Parade has evolved from a school carnival in the 1930s to the signature event of San Juan Capistrano’s friendly and charming vibe. It’s also historically important.

A small and passionate group of residents came together in 1958, first as a committee to the San Juan Capistrano Businesses Council, the predecessor of the San Juan Chamber of Commerce.

Original events consisted of an equestrian parade, a trail ride and a Western dance. Activities have come and gone, but the parade is still an enduring feature central to the revelry and celebration. The parade remains historic, as it is one of the nation’s largest non-motorized parades and draws interest worldwide.

Given the growth of the activity schedule, the importance of a single organization to oversee the events became clear — hence, the volunteer group was dubbed the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association in 1987.

Other civic organizations have since linked with the SJC Fiesta Association, giving rise to the monthlong Fiesta de las Golondrinas, or Festival of the Swallows.

The SJC Fiesta Association also pays tribute to the city’s Spanish, American Western, and Juaneño Indian heritage

through the seasonal events, in addition to heralding the return of the swallows.

The SJC Fiesta Association is also integral in welcoming new residents to San Juan Capistrano, as the area continues growing. Through volunteer opportunities and promoting the town’s legacy, transplants and longtime residents develop a keen sense of pride for living in this pretty and tight-knit South Orange County community.

The city solidified the SJC Fiesta Association’s importance to the community in 1995 by proclaiming it the lead coordination organization, with approval rights, for all Fiesta de las Golondrinas events.

The parade was not held in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — the event’s only postponements. When the parade returned in 2022, it had no horses, due to an equine brain virus outbreak, and instead allowed motorized vehicles for the first and only time. The year 2023 saw the return of the horses.

Anyone interested in joining the SJC Fiesta Association is welcome to become a member and contribute to the history of San Juan Capistrano. Visit swallowsdayparade.org for more information.

24

Welcome Home Swallows!

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School is a proud presenting sponsor of the Swallows Day Parade. Guided by our mission to educate the hearts and minds of young people for lives of learning, leadership and service, we seek meaningful ways to serve and contribute to our community. St. Margaret’s also hosts Special Camp, a summer camp program for children with disabilities, and Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano, an academic enrichment and college-prep program.

St. Margaret’s is proud to call historic and vibrant San Juan Capistrano home for more than 40 years.

31641 La Novia, San
Capistrano, California 92675 • 949.661.0108 • smes.org • Founded in 1979
OUR IS COMMUNITY EVERYDAY ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
Juan

ENTRIES PARADE

American Legion Post 721

Angie Waian (Wayne), Mar Greet fan North Star

Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano

Ballet Folklorico Donaji

Barstow High School Marching Aztec Band & Color Guard

Black Belt Tae Kwon Do Academy

Bootleggers

BUY MY BIKES Inc.

California Highway Patrol Capistrano Area

California Republic Leadership Academy

Canine Companions

Capistrano Valley Christian School

Circle D Ranch of the Disneyland Resort

Citizens’ Climate Education

City of San Juan Capistrano

City of San Juan Capistrano Sister City Capestrano Italy

Code of the West College and Career Advantage College Ready

Del Obispo Elementary School

Desert Mirage HS “Mighty Scarlet Regiment” Ram Band & Pageantry

Edward B Cole Sr. Academy

Elsinore High School Air Force Junior ROTC

Fundacion Esencia de Morelos USA and El Carnaval Morelense USA Girl Scout Troop 1476

Grupo Folklorico Alebrijes

Homefront America

Hula Connection

J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center

JSerra Catholic High School Adaptive Athletics / T3Tennis.net

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians Blas Aguilar Adobe

Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, Acjachemen Nation

Kylee Isbell riding “Little Bear”

Las Vaqueras

Laura’s House

Marco Forster Middle School

Merced County Sheriff Posse

Mike Ahumada - Realtor/Remax Select One

Mini Madness Miniature Therapy Horses & Cows

Mission Basilica Royal Court

Mission Basilica School Swallows Nest

Mission Basilica School Walkers and Cheerleaders

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mormon Battalion

Moulton Family Foundation, Inc., DBA: MOULTON MUSEUM

Oaks Middle School Eagle Pride Marching Band

OCACA College Prep

Orange County Fire Authority “Steamer” Parade Team

Orange County Head Start, Inc.

Padre Junipero Serra Riders

Rancho Jalisco

Redwood Middle School Viking Band

Ricardo’s Place Restaurant

San Bernardino County Sheriffs Mounted Equestrian Volunteers

San Clemente Island Chapter, the Daughters of the American Revolution

San Gabriel High School Matador Marching Band

San Juan Capistrano Docent Society

San Juan Elementary

San Juan Hills High School

SJC Youth Advisory Board, Inc.

Soldiers of the Cross

Sussman Middle School Marching Band

Team Taiwan

Temecula Cowgirls

The Hole in the Wall Gang

The Opsons

Valley Center Vaqueros

Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society

26
27 **food and beverage available for purchase at Ysidora Restaurant scan to purchase tickets on eventbrite.com march 23rd 10am-4:30pm SWALLOWS DAY PARADE CELEBRATION 26907 old mission road, san juan capistrano, ca 92675 | 949.503.5700 www.innatthemissionsjc.com | @Innatthemissionsjc 3 2 4 5 1 B e a r B r a - 3 7 1 - 9 9 3 2 A n I n d e p e n d e n t C a t h o l i c S c h o o l i n L a g u n a N i g u e l St. Anne School w w w . s t - a n n e . o r g | @ s t a n n e k n i g h t s R O O T E D I N C O M M U N I T Y S T R E N G T H E N E D B Y F A I T H I N S P I R E D B Y P O S S I B I L I T Y A C C E P T I N G A P P L I C A T I O N S F O R T H E 2 0 2 4 - 2 0 2 5 S C H O O L Y E A R P R E S C H O O L - G R A D E 8 | W W W . S T - A N N E . O R G / A P P L Y Learn more about St Anne School

Taco Bell

Parade Announcer

Dotti Smith and Actor/ Producer Gary McCarver

In-N-Out

OC Talk Radio’s Dawn Kamber

Radio personality Garrison West

O’Reilly Auto Parts

Comedians Suzette Masters and Ron Ruhman

The Stand

Producer Jonathan Jenkins and actor Mark Schwartz

San Juan

ANNOUNCERS PARADE

Chase Bank

Parade All Stars Landi

Morgan and Kirk Morgan

Parmiss Mediterranean Restaurant

Comedians Tom Riehl and Vince Harper

National Anthem Singers

William Crisp

Tisha Bellantuoni

Sydney Noelle Haik

David Blair

Chandra Nu Power

Maria Elana Banks

Jan Chandran

Vicki Boone

VIP Pavilion

Rancho Mission

Viejo Spokesperson

Charlie Ware and The Capistrano Dispatch

Founder Jonathan Volzke

Swallow’s Inn and TV

SJC Fiesta Association members Leanna Bradshaw and Jim Taylor

Capistrano Mission Singers Tisha

Bellantuoni and William Crisp

L’Hirondelle

Radio personality David Mason and Parade

Announcer Sergio Prince

El Maquey

Spanish announcers

Christina Sepe and Silvia Mazzeo Pule

Taqueros

Spanish Announcers TBA

“Be A Good Citizen in the Community” was one of our Founder’s seven goals for a successful business. For over 60 years, Fluidmaster has embraced the responsibility of making the communities we work and live in a better place by o ering support through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteering.

For more details from the #1 Toilet Brand in the World, visit Fluidmaster.com for more details!

28
Relay for Life Boys & Girls Club of Capistrano Valley Habitat for Humanity
29

SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

PARADE SPONSOR

Almquist Development + Investment

DIVISION SPONSORS

J Serra Catholic High School

Rancho Mission Viejo

Fluidmaster

Inn at the Mission

St. Anne School

MARCHING BAND SPONSOR

Ganahl Lumber

KIDS’ PET PARADE

Cefali and Cefali

Stroscher Ranch

FIESTA DE LAS GOLONDRINAS

Farmers & Merchant Bank

FIESTA GRANDE SPONSOR

RRM Design

Boot Barn

Leone Family

VIP PAVILION SPONSORS

The Toll Roads

Nielsen Family

Stroscher Ranch

MERCADO

Doheny Builders Supply

Cefali and Cefali

TASTE OF SAN JUAN SPONSOR

Cefali and Cefali

RRM Design

FROG JUMPING CONTEST

Chick-fil-A

TELEVISION SPONSOR

Santa Margarita Water District

MEDIA SPONSOR

TheCapistranoDispatch

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO

Metrolink

30
2024
City of San Juan Capistrano
CR&R Environmental Services
Ed Stewart and Associates
CEFALI & CEFALI, APC • INJURY ATTORNEYS • INTEGRITY | EMPATHY | ADVOCACY WE HAVE RECOVERED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR OUR CLIENTS. Cefali & Cefali is a husband and wife team of attorneys. We are always available to speak with our clients, and are ready to aggressively litigate any claim. We handle complex personal injuries against insurance companies, individuals, Cities, Counties and the State. No case is too big or too small for our office. If you call our office, you will be connected with one of us, guaranteed. CEFALI & CEFALI, APC 27130 Paseo Espada, Ste 521, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 P: (877) 4-CEFALI E: info@callcefali.com F: (949) 203-3332 Proud Sponsors of the 64th Annual SWALLOWS DAY PARADE
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.