ARGONAUT cheerleaders continue a tradition six decades old (OC Tribune photos).

The 63rd Garden Grove Strawberry Festival’s parade brought big crowds to Chapman Avenue and Euclid Street on Saturday morning to watch the procession of celebrities, local civic leaders, bands, military units and more. 

MAYOR STEVE JONES lends a hand.

Above, cheerleaders from Garden Grove High School show their spirit. At right, Mayor Steve Jones and family push their vehicle down Euclid after a mechanical failure. The festival continues on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Monday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Strawberry Festival is one of the largest community events in the Western United States and is organized entirely by volunteers.

The Festival not only ushers in the “unofficial” start of summer, but helps raise money for many local non-profit organizations.

Additionally, the Festival Association donates money to worthy civic enterprises.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating Kindness.” The celebrity grand marshal was KTLA’s Vera Jimenez; the theme grand marshal was Tony Adkins, the “Dancing Doctor.” Andrea Palladino Perez is Festival Association president.