Old Timers Parade this Saturday

Time is running short to submit entries into Madera Old Timers Day Parade, which is slated to begin at 10 a.m. Saturday in downtown Madera.

Anyone who wants to enter the parade has until the close of business today to file the entry form, according to parade chairman Jim Bryan.

Today is the drop-deadline, Bryan said. The entry fee is $45 for cars, floats and groups. Political and commercial entries are $75. For information call Bryan at 675-7071.

Staged by the Kiwanis and Key clubs the parade will feature be three announcers’ platforms along the parade route. Descriptions of the entries will come from Terry Nolen, set up between Lake and A streets; Monte Pistoresi, at Ortiz Western Wear between D and E streets; and Jim Glynn, across from Courthouse Memorial Park.

This year a special tribute to law enforcement comprises the first entry, following the Veterans of Foreign War Post 1981 color guard.

“After everything that has been happening across the country we want our parade to show Madera’s respect and support for our law enforcement officers,” said Bryan.

Members of the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Madera Police Department and the California Highway Patrol will be represented and honored, he said.

Bands scheduled to appear in this year’s parade include Madera High and Thomas Jefferson Middle schools. Additionally Madera South High, Martin Luther King Jr and Desmond middle schools will be performing, Bryan said.

The band from Minarets High School in O’Neals is also slated to appear.

The parade will be staged traveling west on Yosemite Avenue on a route from Flume to G streets. After the parade, in Courthouse Memorial Park, a community festival, including food booths and other vendors, will sell their wares, including the annual steak barbecue lunch prepared by the Lions Club.