Stockton, California

There will be a rainbow downtown this weekend, but not because of the recent drizzly/sunny weather.

The annual Sikh Festival and parade is set for Sunday, and every year the traditional dress - orange, red and blue headwear and flowing garments - brightens up city blocks for a few hours. The event marks the creation of the Sikh religious fraternity Khalsa Panth. Modern festivities have a broad purpose, too.  The parade annually draws thousands to Stockton.

"It's just mostly for peace and brotherhood," said Kuljit Nijjar, secretary of the local Sikh Temple. "There are no discrimination against color, caste or creed."

The celebration will offer free food after the parade, as well as activities including a demonstration of gatka, a traditional martial art associated with Sikhs.

This year is the 101st anniversary of Stockton's Sikh Temple, which was founded in 1912. The parade will start at the temple on Grant Street south of 5th Street at 12:00pm and will wind through a few downtown city blocks and return to the temple.

Admission is free!