“World’s Shortest Parade”

Photos Courtesy of Friends and Family of Times Publishing Group, Inc.

The community of Aptos gathered for the 65th annual World’s Shortest Parade, presented by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.

Celebrating the country’s 250th birthday, people once again lined the sidewalks and parking lots along Soquel Drive between State Park Drive and Aptos Creek Road to watch the collection of floats, classic cars, and community groups roll and stroll through the crowd of onlookers celebrating the community, the country and the beautiful summer day.

World’s Shortest Parade Winners 2026

Animal Group: Patriotic King Charles Spaniels

Old Time Favorite: Dave Bennet and his 1904 Oldsmobile

Best Theme: Watsonville Band — March for History

Most Patriotic: K & D Landscaping

Best Individual: Curtis Reliford

Best Float: Seascape Golf Club

Crowd Pleaser: Star Wars

Children’s Group: Little Learners

Best Band: Samson Nigh — Samson Band

Best Dance Group: Worldanz