City puts heart, soul into jam packed parade agenda
Yuletide season cultivates a sweet tooth and it just does not get any more delightful than the 71st annual El Centro Christmas Parade.
Crusin’ down Candy Cane Lane from Main and 12th Street, 116 parade entries completed the route at Bucklin Park on Saturday. The Grand Marshal was Cliff Caldwell, Valley attorney, and serving as honorary Grand Marshal was Mike Reed of Los Vigilantes, the community service group who helped put on the parade assisted by Los Vigilantes Chairman Luis Minor along with major sponsor Rogers & Rogers Auto Group.
Kicking off festivities was the Central Union High School Great Spartan Band directed by Renee Baker. Every other year they get to lead the parade so they really enjoy being the first band through, noted Baker. “It’s the end of our marching season so it’s a culminating event,” said Baker. Southwest High School Marching Band Drum Major Leonardo Chavez was equally stoked. “I like seeing all the other bands since each has their own spirit and energy,” he said. The sweepstakes winning float was built by the Shaolin Kung Fu Five Animals martial arts school. Owners Lucy and Bryan Walker noted they put their hearts out there.
“We do it for the kids in the spirit of Christmas to let them be proud of being a part of an organization and the community,” he said.
Winner of the youth category was Firestorm Gymnastics, winning the religious category was the Salvation Army, winning the business category, Shaolin and winner of the public service category was El Centro Regional Medical Center.
All week long volunteer employees from ECRMC built the float, noted Rosanna Lugo, ECRMC marketing manager. “We work as a family,” she said. “And it kind of kicks off the holiday season.”
Meanwhile launching their maiden voyage float was Imperial Valley College Associated Student Government. “I think it’s a good tradition we can start,” said Christine Bermudez, ASG president. “But it was kind of nerve wracking to be a pioneer float builder.” Arriving from Calexico was Christine Avila who likes to see the bands. Her companion, Lexi Villareal was there to support her daughter Alexis who plays clarinet in the CUHS band. Also viewing from the parade kick-off point was Alfredo Martinez, whose niece received a toy bear from the Imperial Valley Food Bank float.
“She won’t put that thing down,” Martinez said. “It’s (parade) pretty nice this year, entertaining and keeps the kids busy.”
Richard Hays, looking after a toddler, remarked it was a good coming together of the community. “I think it kind of shows the true character of everyone here,” he said.
Added Annabel Carrillo who supported daughter Alexis marching as part of the Positivity Club of CUHS that helps the Humane Society, said, “This is a tradition and I’ve been coming since I was little.”
Announcers Matt Dessert and Bob Fischer cited it as a great turnout. “It’s one of the most successful parades we’ve had in years,” added Fischer.