The Come and Take It Parade is one of the most cherished traditions of the celebration, drawing thousands of visitors each year. With over 200 entries annually, this high-energy parade features marching bands, dance teams, historic vehicles, horseback riders, local clubs and nonprofits, businesses, political candidates, youth groups, and a whole lineup of decorated floats and themed entries.
Come and Take It Parade
October 3 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
🎉 Come and Take It Parade
Start Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Downtown Gonzales, Texas
Parade Route
- From the start, the parade heads west along Saint Lawrence Street, passing First Baptist Church
- The first right turn is onto Saint James Street
- The route then takes a right turn around Texas Heroes Square.
- Coming around the square, the route turns left onto N. Saint Joseph Street
- It continues straight north up Saint Joseph Street, crossing Saint Francis Street and Saint Andrew Street
- It keeps going north through downtown, ending near Victoria College campus
2026 Come and Take It Celebration Parade Marshal: Norma Ehrig
Every year, the Come and Take It Celebration Committee chooses someone who embodies the heart of this town to lead our parade. This year, that honor belongs to a woman who has spent her life quietly changing other people’s lives for the better: Norma Ehrig. 💖
Norma worked as a counselor in our community, sitting with families in their hardest moments and helping them find their way back to hope. She also raised a great family here. Back in 1997, Norma helped bring together leaders from across Gonzales County to build something this community desperately needed: a safe place for children who had experienced abuse to be heard and protected. That effort became the Gonzales Regional Children’s Advocacy Center, and in 2001, it was renamed Norma’s House in her honor.
She’s received the David B. Walshak Lifetime Achievement Award through the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce, but if you ever meet Norma, you’ll notice she never brings it up. She is one of the most humble people you will ever meet, someone who gives everything and asks for nothing in return. This year, we get to say thank you. When Norma rides down the parade route, we hope this whole town cheers loud enough for her to feel just how much she’s loved.
🥰 Join us on October 3rd in celebrating Norma Ehrig, our 2026 Parade Marshal! ❤️
2026 Come and Take It Celebration Junior Parade Marshal: Dyson Ibarra
We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of leading the way. ❤️
We are so proud to announce Dyson Ibarra as the 2026 Come and Take It Celebration Junior Parade Marshal!
Over the past year, Dyson has shown a kind of courage and strength that has captured the hearts of this entire community as he has battled leukemia. Gonzales has cheered for him, prayed for him, rallied around him and loved him every step of the way. He has become a true hometown hero.
This October, it’s our honor to let him lead us.
Congratulations, Dyson! Your community is so proud of you, and we can’t wait to see you at the front of the Come and Take It Parade! ❤️