63rd annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire
A Welcome Message from San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart
Welcome to San Juan Capistrano for our 63rd annual Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire!
The Fiesta de las Golondrinas is such a special celebration for our community, and we are so very excited you can join us. This day marks the culmination of a great deal of effort by our Fiesta Association, City volunteers and staff and first responders. So, please let me begin by thanking all of you who have dedicated your time, hard work, and resources for your efforts.
For residents of San Juan Capistrano and our thousands of visitors, this is quite an event! If your schedule allows for it, come early on Friday for Hoos’Gow Day. This is a great day to visit our world-famous Mission and historic Los Rios Street neighbor-
hood, but be sure to dress appropriately or the Fiesta Association posse might catch you!
Many of us start Saturday at the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano pancake breakfast over at the Scout Hut on the corner of La Matanza Street and El Horno Street. After
that, it’s time to make our way over to the parade route. Whether you are watching the parade from curbside or perched in one of the prized restaurant balcony seats, you are sure to capture the spirit of what makes San Juan Capistrano unique and wonderful. The music, the majestic horses and the spectacular dance troupes in their colorful costumes make this an experience you won’t want to miss. I look forward to seeing your pictures and videos on social media!
After the parade, the celebration continues through the day at the Mercado Faire and then into the evening at our downtown bars and restaurants. If you haven’t visited San Juan Capistrano’s restaurants lately, you are really missing out. We have become quite the foodie destination!
I look forward to sharing the City of San Juan Capistrano’s own unique holiday with you! Viva Las Golondrinas!
The 63rd Swallows Day Parade and Mercado Street Faire event guide is produced in partnership by the Fiesta Association and Picket Fence Media, publishers of The Capistrano Dispatch, Dana Point 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 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 2023. All rights reserved. Proudly printed in the USA. SWALLOWSPARADE.COM 3
WELCOME
PRESIDENT’S
MESSAGE
The past three years have been quite the test for our Fiesta Association members and all of our volunteers. In 2020, less than two weeks before the parade, well, we all know what happened. In 2021, we were still not ready to open up again. Finally, in 2022, things were regaining a semblance of normalcy, the parade was back on, our volunteers were re-energized and . . . boom! Nine days before the parade, there was a statewide quarantine on all horses due to a really nasty equine virus. In spite of the challenges, our members rallied and, together with a supportive community and generous sponsors, we were able to make the 2022 Swallows Day Parade a reality.
For the 63rd annual Swallows Day Parade, we truly are celebrating a return to where we once were. And, again, I thank our members and volunteers, our generous sponsors, our city, and our community.
So, barring locusts, frogs falling from heaven or San Juan Creek turning red, we are going to have a parade!
And I did just knock on wood.
Jim Taylor PRESIDENT
San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association
2023
Jim Taylor El Presidente
Michelle Erca 1st VP, Mercado Chair
Dave Euzarraga 2nd VP
Juana Lau Treasurer/VIP Chair
KC Shepard Secretary/ Membership Chair
Karen Stine Parade Coordinator
Gregg Clapper Logistics
Jonathan Jenkins Publicity/ Kids’ Pet Parade and Expo Chair
Steven Congleton Sheriff
Donny Whitbeck Taste of San Juan Co-Chair
Leanna Bradshaw Taste of San Juan Co-Chair/ Merchandise
Jane Westmiller Merchandise
Jimmy Ferguson Fiesta Grande Chair
4 Support the Swallows Day Parade by becoming a member of the Fiesta Association! Visit swallowsparade.com. LOOKING TO JOIN FIESTA?
2023
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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A VISITOR’S GUIDE
TO SWALLOWS DAY
It’s that time of year again when the swallows return to San Juan Capistrano. The streets of the historic town are alive with locals and visitors celebrating the Swallows Day Parade in March. People get to enjoy members of organizations and horses walking by, food and drinks and a chance to see familiar faces and, perhaps, make some new friends.
This year marks the 63rd annual Swallows Day Parade for the South Orange County city. Along with the swallows returning, it will also mark the return of horses—which were not able to be included in the 2022 event due to a then-outbreak of an equestrian brain disease.
The parade and Mercado Street Faire on Saturday, March 25, are part of the Fiesta de las Golondrinas, or Festival of the Swallows. The festivities that day will occur in lovely downtown San Juan Capistrano, which has beautiful architecture and great restaurants and businesses. The parade starts at 11 a.m.
To ensure you have the best time, here are some helpful pointers to guide you through the day.
ARRIVE EARLY
TAKE A SHUT TLE BUS
Taking a “convenient” shuttle bus is also an option. 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, on the east side of Interstate 5.)
The shuttle bus will drop off at the corner of El Horno and La Matanza streets—a quick jaunt to downtown.
The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association, which organizes and presents the event, recommends you arrive early, as most street closures are in effect by 10 a.m.
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EVENTS SWALLOWS DAY
THE MERCADO STREET FAIRE
The Mercado Street Faire is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Historic Town Center Park on El Camino Real in downtown San Juan Capistrano, just off the main parade route. There will be plenty of vendor booths to enjoy the food and shop for Western wear, as well as live country music, dancing and play time for the entire family, including a kids’ play zone.
THE SWALLOWS DAY PARADE
The colorful parade, Saturday’s main event, kicks off at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a parade awards ceremony at 2 p.m., back in the Historic Town Center Park during the Mercado Street Faire. As it makes its way through downtown San Juan Capistrano, the non-motorized parade features horse-drawn floats, carriages, wagons, plenty of music and demonstrations.
Stay in San Juan Capistrano and Enjoy the Town After the Parade
Once the horses and paradegoers are finished passing through, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. San Juan Capistrano is an up-and-coming town with plenty of things to do and enjoy, including in the growing downtown area. There are plenty of restaurants for dining, antique shops for shopping, or you can visit Los Rios Park if you want some peace and quiet after the festivities (and to snap some scenic pictures). And, of course, you can always pay a visit to the historic landmark Mission San Juan Capistrano or Swallow’s Inn if you’re craving some adult beverages and Western music and dancing.
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DENNIS QUAID
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)
You’ve seen him on the big screen. Now, get ready to see him on the streets of San Juan Capistrano for this year’s Swallows Day Parade. Movie star and musician Dennis Quaid will serve as the Grand Marshal for 2023. Fiesta Association President Jim Taylor made the big announcement during San Juan Capistrano’s Fourth of July celebration in 2022.
Quaid is no stranger to San Juan, having played at The Coach House in May 2022. While many know him from films—including roles in The Day After Tomorrow, The Parent Trap and other movies—Quaid is also a musician, a side venture he chronicles and promotes on his Instagram page.
The Coach House performance got the audience that night dancing and enjoying themselves, as Quaid covered The Doors’ “Riders on the Storm,” Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” and other songs.
The entertainer’s shirt was drenched in sweat as the night went on, and audiences clapped along with his musical output.
Taylor decided to ask Quaid that night if he would do the honors of being the Grand Marshal and, from there, the old tradition of having a celebrity in the saddle for the parade began anew this year.
San Juan Capistrano Mayor Howard Hart has mentioned his interest in getting a picture with Quaid when parade time rolls around—and, surely, he is not the only person looking for such.
Quaid’s more recent screen ventures include the Netflix film Blue Miracle, thriller movie The Intruder and the Amazon show Goliath. Upcoming works Quaid has participated in, according to his official website, include American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story and the independent film Broke, which will also feature Wyatt Russell.
DECORATED AMERICAN COMBAT SOLDIERS OF WORLD WAR II.
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
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
PAST HONOREES
THE PARADE’S FIRST GRAND MARSHALS WERE BARBARA STANWYCK, A POPULAR AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS, AND AUDIE MURPHY, ONE OF THE MOST
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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 graciously provided these photos for a glimpse into the past and celebrations gone by.
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MS. FIESTA
DANIELE SMITH
SEÑOR SAN JUAN
JOHN “FISH” FISCHLE
For the 63rd annual Fiesta de las Golondrinas season, San Juan Capistrano community fixtures Daniele Smith and John “Fish” Fischle are proudly representing the Fiesta Association as senior dignitaries—another example of their record in community service.
“Having lived in this town all my life and been a part of the Parade and this Community at a very young age, it is an honor to be recognized as this year’s Ms. Fiesta for the San Juan Capistrano 2023 Swallows Day Parade,” Smith said.
Smith has been a San Juan resident for more than 45 years and is also a board member for the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce. She is also
a member of the city’s Design Review Committee (which oversees architectural and building details for proposed new projects in town), the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and was the 2021 San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year.
In her professional life, Smith works as a real estate agent.
In her free time, you can also find her line dancing throughout town to country music.
As for Fischle, this is not his first time as Señor San Juan. He previously served in the role in 2012 and is “honored” to again take up the mantle.
“My family came to Anaheim in 1903 from Germany,” he said. “I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
and also completed my teaching education there.”
Fischle was a high school teacher for more than 30 years and taught photography and local history.
“I have been a member of the Fiesta Association for 22 years,” he said.
In addition to the Fiesta Association, Fischle is also a member of the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association, Spurs and Satin (a local 1880s Western reenactment group) and Dana Point Yacht Club—among other groups.
When Fischle isn’t volunteering with the Fiesta Association, what does he like to do?
“I love to garden, bicycle, surf, travel, play cowboy, dance at Swallow’s Inn,” he said.
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SWALLOWS DAY
Shuttle Parking and Pickup
Shuttle Drop-off AND Pickup
PARADE END
THERE’S MORE THAN JUST THE PARADE AND FAIRE
El Presidenté Ball (March 11, 6-10 p.m.)
El Adobe de Capistrano
31891 Camino Capistrano
The Fiesta Association celebrates San Juan Capistrano’s early days and the start of the old West with food, music, and costume contests. Attending one can make you feel like you’ve time-traveled back to when people traveled by wagon.
Fiesta Grandé (March 22, 6-9 p.m.)
Swallow’s Inn
31786 Camino Capistrano
Contests and a night of Wild West entertainment are rolled into one evening of fun. Attendees have previously entered contests for categories such as best existing mustache, best outlaw and best belt buckle.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25 ACJACHEMA ST. DON JUAN AVE. EL HORNO ST. LA ZANJA EL CAMINO REAL LA CALERA ST.
RANCHO VIEJO LA MATANZA MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO SOCCER FIELDTENNIS COURTS FLUIDMASTER 30800 Rancho Viejo Rd. Free Shuttle • Runs 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Heritage Blue Dots = Portable Toilets Staging Area Library
Pancake Breakfast
Awards PLAZA CAPISTRANO BUSINESS PARK 30200 Rancho Viejo
Rotary
Equestrian
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MAP & EVENTS
In the days leading up to the big party, the Fiesta Association hosts numerous quirky activities to celebrate and get the community warmed up and having a good time.
Hoos’Gow Day (March 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)
The streets of San Juan Capistrano
Better wear your Western duds this day— otherwise, you might end up in “jail”!
Costumed Fiesta Association members are stationed throughout town in search of city slickers who aren’t wearing at least some Western attire. You may get “arrested,” all in fun.
Frog Jumping Contest (March 24, 4-6 p.m.)
Los Rios Park
31831 Los Rios Street
The Fiesta Association’s annual frog jumping contest is a family-friendly time for entertainment and prizes.
FIESTA MERCH
Please help support the Annual Swallows Day Parade. Festival merchandise is available for purchase at our booth in the Mercado Street Faire.
ORTEGA HWY. SPRING ST. FORSTER ST. YORBA ST. I-5 FWY MERCADO PARADE START VIEJO RD. CAMINO CAPISTRANO JUAN CAPISTRANO DELOBISPO VIP PORCH Walking Group & Band Awards Heritage Barbecue
Lost &
Fiesta Association Command Post Playhouse Swallow’s Inn El Adobe 11 Portable Toilets
Portable Toilets CAPISTRANO PARK Rd.
HTC PARK:
Found
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ELOISE GLYNN and JAVIER MARTINEZ
The 2023 youth representatives for the Swal lows Day Parade both attend San Juan Capist rano Elementary School.
Eloise Glynn enjoys reading Harry Potter books, playing handball with her friends at recess and playing softball with a local team. Her favorite subject is math, as she enjoys learning new things in math. She was born in Mission Hospital. Eloise loves living in San Juan Capistrano with her older brother, mom and dad, as she finds the people in town are nice and welcoming.
Javier Martinez enjoys collecting baseball cards, reading Goosebumps books and playing basketball with his friends at recess. His favorite subject at school is math, as he thinks long numbers are cool! Outside of school, he plays soccer and is the proud oldest brother of Carlos, who is in first grade, and Eva, who is barely 2 months old.
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JUNIOR DIGNITARIES
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Visit swallowsparade.com for more information.
2023 KIDS’ PET PARADE
GIVING FAMILIES A CHANCE TO SHOW UNIQUE ANIMALS
A dog wearing a superhero outfit, a snake draped around a kid’s neck, and ducks were all part of the fun on Feb. 18 at Los Rios Park during the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association’s Kids’ Pet Parade.The annual showcase is part of the Swallows Day Parade seasonal festivities and gives kids a chance to show off their favorite animals.
PET PARADE WINNERS
TEAM COSTUME
Dominic Pule with his dog Zeus
BIRD
Lily Marquina with ducks Jojo and Waddles
KID AT HEART
Margo Kutner with her dog Skylar
EXOTIC PET
James Glynn with his snake Split
DOMESTIC PET
Lilly Brazil with her dog Tilly
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Anyone interested in joining the Fiesta Association is welcome to become a member and contribute to the history of San Juan Capistrano.
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THE HISTORY OF THE SWALLOWS DAY PARADE
Dating back to the 1950s, the Swallows Day Parade has gone from a school carnival to a community tradition that’s become a signature of San Juan Capistrano’s friendly and charming vibe, as well as a historically important event.
A small and passionate group of residents came together in 1958, beginning as a committee to the San Juan Capistrano Businesses Council, the predecessor organization to the San Juan Chamber of Commerce. This set in motion the transformation of the event from a small-town carnival to an equestrian and Western parade.
Activities have come and gone, but the parade remains an enduring feature central to the revelry and celebration.
Given the growth of the activity schedule, the importance of a sovereign organization to oversee the events became clear—hence, the volunteer group becoming the San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association in 1987.
Other civic organizations have linked with the Fiesta Association since then, giving rise to the monthlong Fiesta de las Golondrinas, or Festival of the Swallows.
The 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 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 alike develop a sense of pride for living in this pretty and tight-knit South Orange County area.
The city solidified the Fiesta Association’s importance to the community in 1995 by proclaiming the Fiesta Association the lead coordinating 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 only postponements throughout the event’s history. When the parade finally did return in 2022, it had no horses and instead allowed motorized vehicles for the first time in the event’s history, due to a equine brain virus outbreak.
Anyone interested in joining the Fiesta Association is welcome to become a member and contribute to the history of San Juan Capistrano. Visit swallowsparade.com for more information.
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ENTRIES PARADE
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Horse Detachment
American Legion Post 721
Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano
Black Belt Tae Kwon Do Academy
Bootleggers
Buccaneers of Tortuga
Buy My Bikes Inc.
California Highway Patrol, Capistrano Area
Canine Companions
Citizens’ Climate Education
City of San Juan Capistrano
City of San Juan Capistrano Sister
City Capestrano Italy
Code of the West Repertory Company
College and Career Advantage
Compassion With Action
Del Obispo Elementary School
Desert Mirage HS “Mighty Scarlet
Regiment” Ram Band & Pageantry
Disneyland’s Circle D Ranch
Family Assistance Ministries
Fiesta Association
Goods and Goats Market
Great Danes of Orange County
Grupo Folklorico Alebrijes
Hula Connection
J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center
Jr. Miss Fiesta Eloise Glynn, Jr. Senor San Juan Javier Martinez
JSerra Catholic High School
Juaneno Band of Mission Indians
Acjachemen Nation
Las Vaqueras
Laura’s House
Legión de María
Long Beach Mounted Police
Marco Forster Middle School
Merced County Sheriff Posse
Mike Ahumada - Realtor/Remax
Select One
Mini Madness Miniature Therapy
Horses and Cows
Mission Basilica Royal Court
Mission Basilica School Swallows Nest
Mission Basilica School Walkers and Cheerleaders
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mormon Battalion
Moulton Museum
Ms. Fiesta Daniele Smith and Senor
San Juan John Fischle
Oaks Middle School Eagle Pride
Marching Band
OC Fire Authority “Steamer”
Parade Team
OC Sheriff’s Department
OCASA College Prep
Oxnard High School Marching SWARM
Padre Junipero Serra Riders
Rancho Arroyo
Rancho Cucamonga Equestrian Patrol - Unit 417
Rancho Jalisco
Redwood Middle School Viking Band and Color Guard
Ricardo’s Place Restaurant
Riverside Sheriff’s Mounted
Enforcement Detail
Robert Ridland
San Clemente Island Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
San Juan Capistrano Docent Society
San Juan Elementary
San Juan Hills High School
Senator Catherine Blakespear
SJC YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD, INC
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
Supervisor Katrina Foley
Sussman Middle School Marching Band
TEAM TAIWAN
Temecula Cowgirls
The Ecology Center
The Hole in the Wall Gang
The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team & The Little Miss Norco Cowgirls Jr. Drill Team
Unidos South OC
Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society
Wiltsey Middle School Wildcat Brigade
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Taco Bell
Dotti Smith
Parade Announcer
Comedian Mike Hughes
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Comedians Suzette Masters and Ron Ruhman
The Stands
Producer Jonathan Morgan Jenkins and actor Mark Schwartz
Chase Bank
Parade All Stars Landi Morgan and Kirk Morgan
The former Marie Callender’s site
OC Talk Radio’s Dawn
Kamber and radio personality Garrison West
ANNOUNCERS
L’Hirondelle Radio personality
David Mason and Spanish announcer Leslie Roberts
El Maquey
Spanish announcers
Christina Sepe and Jorge Vasquez
Parmiss Mediterranean Restaurant
Comedians Tom Riehl and Vince Harper
VIP Pavilion
Rancho Mission Viejo spokesperson Charlie Ware and The Capistrano Dispatch founder Jonathan Volzke
Swallow’s Inn
Fiesta Association members Leanna Bradshaw and Jim Taylor
Mission VIP
Singers Tisha Bellantuoni and William Crisp
National
Anthem Singers
Tisha Bellantuoni
William Crisp
David Blair
Montica Kirsch
Bryan Vickery
Sydney Haik
Jena Abril
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PARADE
PARADE SPONSOR
Almquist Development and Investment
DIVISION SPONSORS
Rancho Mission Viejo
JSerra Catholic School
Fluidmaster
Supervisor Katrina Foley
VIP PAVILION SPONSORS
American Horse Products
Stephanie Frisch, Medicare Options Specialist
The Toll Roads
Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano
PacTec Law
SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
St. Margaret’s Episcopal School
FIESTA GRANDE SPONSOR
Boots Leone
FIESTA ASSOCIATION SPONSOR
The OutPost
MERCADO SPONSORS
Capistrano Ford
Cefali & Cefali
TASTE OF SAN JUAN SPONSOR
Cefali & Cefali
KIDS’ PET PARADE & EXPO SPONSORS
Cefali & Cefali
Conservatory and Curiosity
TELEVISION SPONSOR
Santa Margarita Water District
MEDIA SPONSOR
Picket Fence Media
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO CR&R
Ed Stewart and Associates
ValPak
The Dish Boot Barn
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