Annual Hesperia Days parade marches down Main Street

Thousands of Hesperians lined Main Street Saturday, to watch marching bands, vintage tractors, exotic animals and community groups go by, during the 60th annual Hesperia Days parade.

Elinor Donahue, who played eldest daughter Betty Anderson in the 1950s TV show “Father Knows Best,” served as the parade's grand marshal, riding with her grandson Liam, who hopes to break into show business as well.

The parade, which was organized by the Hesperia Kiwanis, was the centerpiece of the weekend-long Hesperia Days celebration, which is put on by the Hesperia Recreation and Park District.

Saturday events also included a 5K run, the California Junior Rodeo, kids’ zones, live music and a fireworks show at Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road. The festivities wrap up on Sunday with 6 p.m., following a day of music, kid fun zones and vendors selling their wares.

Admission to the events and parking is free, although some activities charge separate fees.