Merced County Sheriff’s Posse won’t appear in Independence Day parade. Here’s why
The Merced County Sheriff’s Posse won’t be appearing in the 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, D.C., today; the parade was canceled because of extreme heat.
According to reports, the high in Washington could reach 101 degrees, with a heat index — what it actually feels like to the body — of 110 to 115 degrees.
“Happy Independence Day, Happy 250 Birthday USA! We’re disappointed we couldn’t ride today,” said a post on the posse’s Facebook page on Saturday morning.
The group left for Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
It’s the second time in two years that the renowned volunteer equestrian group has traveled across the country only to have an event canceled because of weather.
The equestrian group went to Washington in January 2025 for the presidential inaugural parade, but the equestrian portion of the parade was canceled because of cold weather.
Established in 1948 and serving as a “goodwill ambassador” for the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the Sheriff’s Posse consists of community members and their Palomino horses. It participates in community public relations events and marketing for the Sheriff’s Office.
The posse took part in events for President Donald Trump’s first inauguration, as well as inaugural events for President George W. Bush and President Richard Nixon. It also participated in the bicentennial parade in Washington in 1976.
According to the Merced County website, all the posse members care for and own their horses. No government funds are used to fund the Sheriff’s Posse, the website says.
