Nevada City's Constitution Day Parade has been a local tradition since 1967 and is reported to be the oldest and largest Constitution observance in western America.

The 2 p.m. Sunday parade features more than 100 entries and culminates other activities including Civil War reenactments in Pioneer Park on Saturday and a band concert and pre-parade ceremonies on Sunday.

The parade through the downtown historic district includes marching bands, floats, antique autos, equestrians, politicians and perennial crowd favorites such as the Ophir Prison Marching Kazoo Band and the Marching Presidents of Nevada City, a humorous but reverent group that portrays each U.S. president.

Members of the American Civil War Association will offer living history and battle reenactments at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and at 11 a.m. Sunday in Pioneer Park. More than 200 military and settler reenactors are expected to take part.

Nevada City is known for its classic small town spirit and unique events. With a population of 3,001, Nevada City swells to 10,000 or more on Constitution Day.

Celebrants should plan to arrive about an hour before parade time to get a good vantage point along the parade route. Out-of-town visitors should book local accommodations early.

Nevada City is located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains midway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. From Sacramento, take eastbound Interstate 80 to Auburn and Highway 49 north to Nevada City. From Reno, take westbound I-80 and westbound State Route 20.

For more information, contact the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, 132 Main Street, Nevada City, CA 95959. Call the chamber at (530) 265-2692 or 1-800-655-NJOY.