Chowchilla Spring Festival

Spring Festival Pageant

Queen Coronation

Local Chowchilla young ladies compete for the title of Spring Festival Queen. The crowned queen is the individual who sells the most tickets for the barbecue. The coronation occurs on the Saturday evening of the Fair where all candidates are introduced. The reigning queen is on hand to pass on the title to the newest winner who will represent the community in events and promote the festival in the coming year. The contest is open to young women who reside in Chowchilla. For more information on how to become a candidate for this year's festival, contact Paula Hansen at 559-223-4108, or Stacy Ellison at 559-706-5329.

Buy Blue - Emmie Penamante

is a 16 year old Junior at CUHS. She is the second youngest of 10 kids. She has participated is Chowchilla Cheer for 11 years. She has been a part of FCA, CSF, and yearbook all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. After graduation she plans on going to college to become an RN to work in pediatrics.

Buy Yellow - Jayd Garcia

is a 16 year old sophomore at Chowchilla Union High School and a proud Chowchilla Spring Festival Queen Candidate. She is in her second year of the Patient Care Program gaining real world experience while working towards a future in the medical field. She is outgoing, confident, and full of positive energy always encouraging others to chase their dreams. Jayd loves spending time with family, hanging out with friends and embracing new experiences. Encouraged by teachers and staff at Chowchilla High she is ready to represent Chowchilla, meet new people and make lifetime memories.

Buy Pink - Daisy Granados

is a senior in high school who stays actively involved on campus. She love writing and public speaking, as well as making new friends wherever she goes. Being part of her school and community means a lot to her. She is so grateful and excited to be running for Chowchilla Spring Festival Queen. After graduation, she plans to attend Fresno State University and then continue on to medical school as she works toward becoming an anesthesiologist. She would really appreciate your support by buying her tickets thank you so much!

Buy Green - Iris Perea Garcia

is 16 years old and currently a junior at Chowchilla Union High School, She love being involved in the FFA community and being in job interviews team as-well as Floral judging. She is a positive student and person and she is always happy to lend a hand for those in need.

Buy Purple - Gurnoor Uppal

is a junior at Chowchilla High and she enjoys both active and creative hobbies like running, crocheting, painting, and doing nails. She is quite intrigued to be involved within the community and try something new this year. These interests show different sides of who she is and how she prefers to spend her time. One important moment in her life was enlisting in the Army National Guard last month. It was an important decision that drove her to take responsibility and focus on her future. Her current goal is to earn straight A’s and continue working hard. she plans to become a soldier and eventually a successful lawyer.

2026 BBQ Ticket

Blue BBQ Ticket $22.80

Green BBQ Ticket $22.80

Pink BBQ Ticket $22.80

Purple BBQ Ticket $22.80

Yellow BBQ Ticket $22.80

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Spring Festival Parade

The Spring Festival is a grand tradition celebration that includes a parade, a large deep pit barbecue and a queen coronation that has been a part of Chowchilla since 1946. This popular annual event always occurs in conjunction with the Chowchilla Madera County Fair which is always the third weekend in May.

The Spring Festival Parade takes place at 10:00 a.m. on the Saturday morning of the Fair. The 2026 Spring Festival Parade will be presented on Saturday, May 9th. It travels down Robertson Boulevard from 15th Street down to First Street. You'll see many participants from schools, clubs, churches, and businesses make their way down the boulevard with grand sights and sounds for the large crowds that line the main thoroughfare in Chowchilla.

Local marching bands perform their most exciting music selections while floats create a scenic extravaganza as they pass by. The Police Department and City Council come out to participate in this event along with several other businesses who volunteer their time, their classic cars, and their talent. You'll also see local queens and their courts riding down Robertson Blvd. in beautiful cars.

Parade trophies are awarded that afternoon at the fairgrounds for the winning bands, floats, cars, and other original creations. For further information, you may leave a message for the Spring Festival Committee at 559-665-4501.

Participant Letter

Chowchilla Spring Festival Parade Entry Form

Waiver

BBQ...YUM!

Deep Pit BBQ -
A Chowchilla Fair Tradition!

The most popular event of the festival is the traditional barbeque that takes place after the parade on the Saturday of the Fair. The festival committee starts preparing the meat in advance to slow cook in large deep pits for many hours which makes it extraordinarily delicious. The Spring Festival Committee and many volunteers strive to make the annual event a family affair with great food and a large, shady picnic area for great conversation. Tickets are just $20.00 and include admission into the Fair until 2pm.

This is no small barbeque. Over 6,000 hungry people are served in 2 to 3 hours! The recipe for a successful Spring Festival barbeque includes: 9,000 pounds of meat -- 1,200 pounds of beans -- 1,000 pounds of salad -- AND YOU!!

If you have questions for the Spring Festival Committee regarding tickets or the parade please contact Paula Hansen at 559-223-4108, Stacy Ellison at 559-706-5329 or Mary Carr at 559-246-9605.

Mailing Information: Spring Festival Committee PO Box 457

Chowchilla, CA 93610