All lovers and supporters of Petaluma flocked to downtown Petaluma for the celebration of the Butter and Eggs parade and festival. Including Sonoma State students, reportedly more than 30,000 people walked the streets. 

The Petaluma Downtown Association put on events where people celebrated everything homegrown in Petaluma while also having fun. 

The 33rd annual Butter and Eggs Day Parade and Festival continued with tradition to recognize all local talent. 

“My favorite part of Butter and Eggs Day is the parade.  I’m from Petaluma so I love going every year,” said sophomore Gianna Boracchia. “This year I brought two of my friends from SSU so we could all get a break and relax before the last week before finals.”

The beginning of the tradition started in 1918 but actually was not held again for quite some time. 

The festival was revived in 1981 and has continued every year since then. All the curbs were overflowed with families, friends and any Petaluma lovers. 

The diverse activities and events attracted people of a variety of ages.  Before the parade there were still many events, traditions and contests. 

The day started off with events such as a Lion Club Breakfast, arts and crafts, vendors, kids activities, local businesses, non-profit organizations and much more.

The traditional Cow Chip (cow poop) Throwing Contest started to ease anticipation as competitors strategized on how to make their cow pie soar the farthest. 

Police Chief Patrick Williams came with the win as he used all his strength to have his painted cow pie soar. 

Parents dressed up their newborns and toddlers in adorable costumes for the Petaluma Egg Farms Cutest Little Chick Contest. Farah Caldwell, a 1-year-old from Penngrove, won first with her yellow feather tutu and a matching headband.  

There was an option for people to buy a Parade Button at local stores that provided special offers April 19 through April 27. If you had the button there were many discounts and even specials for free. 

At noon the main parade started where everyone walked around visiting the booths while enjoying the people, parade and entertainment. 

For anyone who was looking for lunch or a snack was not disappointed because the variety of good eats could just about cure anyone’s food craving.  

From corn dogs, burgers, burritos, or all the variety of meat being barbequed heightened indecisiveness on what choice to go with. The Beer Garden was filled with people over 21 enjoying local Petaluma breweries such as Lagunitas Brewing Company, Dempsey’s and HenHouse Brewing Company.  

There was a different event or opportunity for fun at what it seemed to be at every corner.  

By just walking around people could find petting zoos, jump-houses, dunk tanks, shopping for clothes or accessories, all while the parade was making their rounds in downtown Petaluma. 

At the dunk tank anyone had the chance to take down U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman.  

This fun way to raise money to fight cancer left Huffman soaked from being immersed into the chilly water from the participants.

Butter and Eggs Day gathered people for an event to enjoy but also to recognize their community, help local businesses and make a difference for good causes. 

The emphasis is taking pride of one’s community and everything Petaluma has to offer.  

To recognize the unique companies and talents that the community gets to enjoy on a day-to-day basis. This event perfectly exemplifies a traditional way to connect together as a community.