Westminster, California Founder's Day Parade and Festival

Westminster, California is sometimes overlooked as a fun spot to visit. Just minutes from beaches--Seal Beach, Long Beach and Huntington Beach--Westminster has long served these beach cities with its own brand of entertainment such as the mega-shopping center, Westminster Mall and the Asian Gardens of its very own Little Saigon!  But once a year the city of close to 90,000 residents celebrates a unique heritage that people of all walks of life, faiths, and ethnic backgrounds clain with the annual Founder's Day Festival and Parade.

Westminster Founder's Day Festival and Parade invites residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities ranging from carnival rides in the midway,  contests for kids, Battle of the Bands, International Food Court, and more.The event is held Oct. 24-26, 2009.
 

Starting on a Friday night, the Battle of the Bands competition arrives with a furry. Up and coming bands play their hearts out, trying to win top honors and grand prize in this challenging event. Orange County in Southern California is home to some of the best bands in the U.S. and many get their start or a bit more recognition in events such as this Westminster Battle of the Bands. Held 5-9 p.m. at Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St., Westminster, CA, bands can apply to enter the event at westminster-ca.gov/

Saturday morning the city is abuzz for the parade that marches in. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the marching bands, floats, community groups and parade entrants line up to begin the procession at Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St., Westminster.  (714) 895-2860. The Founder's Day Carnival runs at the same park Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from Noon (12 p.m.) to 10 p.m.