Members of a color guard lead the Nicolaus Labor Day Parade through downtown Nicolaus during a previous celebration. The 35th annual parade returns Monday, Sept. 7, with the theme “All Aboard the Memories.” Photo by Chris Pedigo

NICOLAUS, CA (MPG) - One of south Sutter County’s longtime Labor Day traditions will return Sept. 7 as the Nicolaus Labor Day Parade rolls into its 35th year with the theme “All Aboard the Memories.”

The annual celebration will once again bring residents and visitors to downtown Nicolaus for a day of parade entries, local food, vendors and family activities while raising support for area schools and organizations.

This year’s railroad-inspired theme will be reflected throughout the celebration, including the parade’s annual T-shirt design contest, which was opened to students from Browns School, Marcum-Illinois School, Pleasant Grove School and East Nicolaus High School.

Along with the parade itself, organizers are planning a vendor fair featuring craft and merchandise booths, school-supported food and drink vendors, a kids zone and petting zoo. Another returning tradition will give local gardeners a chance to put their summer harvest to the test.

East Nicolaus FFA will host its annual Labor Day Parade veggie contest, with entries accepted for $5 per person. Categories include biggest overall vegetable, best tomato, zucchini, pumpkin, other squash and other vegetable, along with a Best of Show award. Two new categories have also been added this year: Best Basket, recognizing the best assortment of fruits and vegetables, and Best Fruit of the Veggie Contest.

The parade has long served as more than a Labor Day gathering for the small farming community. Local schools traditionally participate through parade entries and food booths, while residents, families and community groups come together for a celebration that draws visitors from throughout the surrounding area.

Another tradition of the event is the selection of a “Grandparent of the Year.” Local children are invited to nominate a grandparent by writing a letter explaining what makes them special, with the selected honoree receiving a place in the parade.

The 35th annual Nicolaus Labor Day Parade will be held Monday, Sept. 7, in downtown Nicolaus. Additional information and updates can be found through the Nicolaus Labor Day Parade’s social media pages.