(L) Grand Marshal Walt Butler. (R) Community Grand Marshals Dell and Dudley Stewart (Photos – City of Pasadena)
The City of Pasadena and the Black History Planning Committee have announced that former Pasadena City College track and field athlete and coach Walt Butler will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Black History Festival.
By News Desk
The festival will take place on Saturday, February 21, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Robinson Park, located at 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. This year’s theme is “Unifying the Culture & Protecting Our Freedom, Passing the Baton to the Next Generation.”
A local sports legend, Butler built an impressive legacy through his achievements in football and track and field at Pasadena High School and Pasadena City College. His impact extends far beyond athletics. For decades, he has served the community by supporting youth, seniors, and unhoused residents, including donating shoes from his own sporting goods store. In 2025, Butler lost his Altadena home of more than 60 years in the Eaton Fire. Despite this devastating loss, he remains committed to rebuilding and supporting the community around him.
Joining Butler as Community Grand Marshals are Dell and Dudley Stewart. The Youth Grand Marshals are Bobby Milton, Carlos Ferreira Gaxiola, Vaughn Cross, Malik Husaini, Danial Jamshidi, Christopher Baghdassarian, Luca Bonnici, and Alec Heberger.
“We are honored to have Walt Butler as our Grand Marshal for the 2026 Festival,” said Pixie Boyden, Committee Co-Chair. “He is a shining example of who we are as residents of Pasadena and a testament to our community. While we continue to grapple with the long-term effects of the Eaton Fire, we are proud to bring back portions of our festival that were previously canceled.”
The event will be emceed by James Farr. While the parade will not return this year, the event will be emceed by local journalist James Farr. The festival will feature the return of the classic car show, along with youth performances, live entertainment, food trucks, and community resource booths hosted by local organizations.
Youth Grand Marshals: Bobby Milton, Carlos Ferreira Gaxiola, Vaughn Cross, Malik Husaini, Danial Jamshidi, Christopher Baghdassarian, Luca Bonnici, and Alec Heberger(Photo – City of Pasadena)
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