Get ready to feel the pulse of African American pride in Anaheim this Saturday. The city is gearing up for the 44th annual Orange County Black History Parade & Unity Festival, which is expected to draw thousands to downtown's streets. According to an announcement by Anaheim officials, festivities kick off on Feb. 3 with a colorful lineup featuring marching bands, dance teams, double Dutch squads, and more, showcasing a vibrant display of cultural heritage.
Leading the parade as grand marshal will be Big Boy, the popular morning show radio host known for his work on Real 92.3. The event promises a family-friendly atmosphere, with a Unity Festival street fair to follow, packed with music, food trucks, and vendors. For those looking to engage with the community, a youth village and health screenings are on the roster. According to the city's official statement, the parade and fair are championed by the Orange County Heritage Council to promote cultural awareness and honor the historical achievements of Blacks in the region and nationwide.
The parade is set to begin staging at the southeast corner of Pearson Park, marching down from Lincoln Avenue and wrapping an hour later at Santa Ana Street. Spectators can catch the action from both sides of Anaheim Boulevard, with parade announcers positioned near City Hall. The Unity Fair similarly rises early, preparing to hit full swing post-parade, featuring nearly 100 booths with arts, crafts, and entertainment spread along Center Street Promenade. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the festivities, which will be punctuated by live bands, DJs, and discussions on Black history at the culture stage.
Parking for the event won't be a hassle, with structures around City Hall open to the public. The most convenient spots can be found just east of City Hall off-Broadway and a red brick structure on Center Street East. However, attendees should note the likely traffic impacts due to road closures, including Broadway affecting the City Hall parking structure, as published on the city's website. Additional parking is up for grabs along Anaheim Boulevard, accessible from West Lehman Way north.
Please be aware if you have no plans to join in, steer clear of the area for convenience's sake. Road closures begin early Saturday, with the complete reopening scheduled for around 6 p.m., following the culmination of the street fair. With such an extensive event, the community will surely buzz with excitement and unity in this celebration of Black history and culture in Orange County.
