Healdsburg Police Warn of Traffic, Alcohol 'Challenges' at Future Farmers Parade

Healdsburg Police issued an alert Tuesday to what they called "challenges associated with the annual Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair and Parade." 

"This community celebration occurs over the Memorial Day weekend," said Healdsburg Police Lt. Kevin Young in a statement. "Festivities start with a parade through the downtown area on Thursday May 24 starting at 6 p.m.

"The associated street closures begin at 5:30 p.m.," he added.  "Vehicle access into the downtown area will be restricted for a minimum of two hours."

Young encouraged drivers to select alternate routes to avoid the parade activity.

After the parade, the Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair continues through Sunday at This year's theme is "Cowboy Boots and Country Roots."

Young added that since the parade draws spectators from areas throughout Sonoma County, "many people may not be aware of legal restrictions that regulate alcohol consumption within the city limits of Healdsburg," he said.

"Visitors, participants and residents are reminded that it is against the law to consume alcohol on public streets, sidewalks or in parking lots," Young said.

"Participants, spectators and residents are being asked for their help in maintaining the focus of this long-standing community event towards the intended goal of benefiting our local youth and non-profit groups,"he said.

Young added the following warnings:

• There will be dedicated uniformed police officers working the entire parade route to enforce these restrictions. Officers will be issuing citations and making arrests if necessary to discourage inappropriate behavior.
• Officers will also staff the entry gates to the fairgrounds. They will deny access to intoxicated persons and detain any juveniles who are under the influence of alcohol.