Winters Youth Day weekend returns with parade and fun run

The 88th Winters Youth Day will be held April 25, featuring a parade and a memorial 5K fun run that support local youth programs and scholarships.

The 88th annual Winters Youth Day takes place April 25 with a full weekend of activities centered on local youth, education and community spirit. The event is a long-running small-town tradition that draws families from across Yolo County and nearby areas. This year’s theme, "Youth Ahoy," will appear throughout the parade and daytime festivities. Organizers have added new participation categories, including decorated golf carts, and say entry is free while applications for participants, vendors, volunteers and sponsors are being accepted at wintersyouthday.com. Key details: - Date and scope: Main events occur April 25 and include parades, games, live entertainment and fundraising activities that support youth programs and scholarships. - Kiddie Parade: Same-day registration opens at 8:45 a.m. at Fourth and Main streets; the parade steps off at 9:45 a.m.; motorized vehicles are not allowed though small powered ride-on toys are permitted. - Park activities: After the parade, Rotary Park will host free entertainment, a traditional Kiddie Faire, a new "Play Patch" for ages 1–5, youth-run game booths and food vendors. - Opening ceremonies: The weekend begins the night before with opening ceremonies that recognize community members such as Educator of the Year, Youth of the Year and the grand marshals. - Fundraising events: The Kiwanis Club will hold a Youth Day Cornhole Tournament at Hooby's Brewing to raise funds for scholarships and youth programs. - Memorial fun run and Duck Derby: The 3rd annual Michael Bazan Jimenez & Noah Lichwa Memorial 5K run/walk begins at 7 a.m. and raises funds for memorial scholarships; registrants who signed up by April 2 are guaranteed a commemorative T-shirt. The Duck Derby fundraiser will return June 30 and ducks will be available for adoption during Youth Day weekend. Summary: The weekend combines family-focused events and new inclusive parade categories with several fundraisers that benefit local youth programs and scholarships. Events begin with the memorial 5K fun run at 7 a.m., continue with the parade and park activities on April 25, and organizers note the Duck Derby fundraiser will return June 30.