Merced County Sheriff’s Posse invited to 250th anniversary parade in D.C.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Posse, the renowned volunteer equestrian group, has been invited to participate in the 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, D.C., on July Fourth.
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.
On July 4, the nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“It is an honor to be part of such a historic event and a chance to proudly represent our community on a national stage,” Merced County Sheriff Vern Warnke said in a Facebook post.
Previously, the posse has taken the five-day trailer trip to the nation’s capital for presidential inaugurations. It is accepting donations to help pay for the upcoming trip.
“We could use a little help,” Warnke said in the Facebook video post. “If you can, contribute to help us get these big, beautiful animals to Washington, D.C., and to help with expenses to represent what we’ve got going on in our great Valley.”
The posse took part in events for President Donald Trump’s first and second inaugurations, 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.
Each year, the posse travels over 3,000 miles in and out of Merced County. The group participated in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.
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.
This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 10:12 AM with the headline "Merced County Sheriff’s Posse invited to 250th anniversary parade in D.C.."
