During the celebratory parade for Saratoga’s 60th anniversary on the morning of Sept. 17, the choir and cheer team marched alongside many representatives including the Boy Scouts and Saratoga Senior Center. While the parade made its way down Big Basin Way, cheers echoed from nearby sidewalks.

As history buffs know, the city of Saratoga actually started 160 years ago with just a sawmill and it grew over the years. In 1847, settlers began living in what is now Saratoga, when William Campbell created a sawmill nearby now downtown Saratoga. Saratoga went through numerous name changes, from McCarthysville in 1851 and Bank Mills in 1863, until finally in 1865, the town received its final name. In 1956, the city was  commissioned, avoiding annexation by San Jose.

To start the parade, choir members sang “America the Beautiful.”

“It’s always fun to be a part of events like this because we get to establish our presence in the community and contribute back,” said choir member Sarah Jin, a senior.

Cheerleaders followed in a mustang convertible, bringing the spirit usually seen in football games to the celebration.

“Having that many people recognize us and appreciate us as a team was awesome because as cheerleaders we normally cheer on others, not the other way around,” sophomore cheerleader Mya Pai said. “It was amazing to be a part of an event that brought so many people together.”

Although smaller than many cities, dozens of Saratogans showed how strong and tight-knit they are with the parade.

“We’re really fortunate here in Saratoga to have such a phenomenal group of community organizers and volunteers,” city council-manager James Lindsey said.