It’s Time to Light the Boulevard

This weekend’s Castro Valley Light Parade may be its biggest yet in its 10-plus year history, so whether you are on a float or watching from the sidelines, there’s a lot to consider. 

The first thing to know for motorists and commuters is that Castro Valley Boulevard will be closed between Lake Chabot Road and Redwood Road sometime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to allow for setup and creating a staging area. The CHP will have signs at both sides of the Boulevard showing the detour routes along either Norbridge Avenue or Somerset Avenue. 

The Boulevard will be lined with booths from Santa Maria to Redwood Road, with lots of food, bands, and a kids’ area starting at 3 p.m. The parade will start around 5:30, as it’s starting to get dark.

The best places to see all the parade entrants is between San Miguel Avenue and Redwood Road on the north side of the boulevard or between Wilbeam Avenue and Redwood Road on the south side as the floats are exiting on Wilbeam towards the Castro Valley BART station.

If you are entering a float or driving a vehicle in the parade, you should enter the staging area via southbound Lake Chabot Road at Castro Valley Boulevard. People who are walking with the floats or as a group should meet at the Bank of America parking lot prior to the parade. 

There will be a representative from the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce to check people in at the staging area, which starts west of San Miguel Avenue. Each entrant will be announced at the judge’s table by the emcees: Michael Nelson of CVSan and TMC producer Dayna Speed. 

Sponsored by the Chamber, the annual community promenade on Castro Valley Boulevard is a chance for regular folk to celebrate the coming holidays and show off their personal sparkle. 

This year’s theme is “Honoring our Educators & Mentors.” This will also mark the first year ever that every Castro Valley School will participate in the parade.

Also new this year are Pony Rides & Petting Zoo as well as the usual music and more great food options. 

You can get more information about the Light Parade at Edenareachamber.com/cvlightparade2023.