Edwards honored as Kiwanis Citrus Festival Parade Grand Marshal

July 13, 2005
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula TimesThe 38th Annual Kiwanis Citrus Festival Parade will step out Saturday at 10 a.m., part of the city's oldest continuing celebration and this year honoring Limoneira Co. President/CEO Harold Edwards as the Parade Grand Marshal.The theme for this year's parade is "America's Citrus Capital On Parade" a natural for the area and Grand Marshal Edwards, a native of Santa Paula."Limoneira and Harold are our number one backers of the Kiwanis Citrus Festival...he does so much for us and they are wonderful examples," of community supporters through the activism of the citrus company, noted Kiwanis Festival Chairman Bill Grant.Limoneira Co. was founded in Santa Paula more than a century ago and is one of the largest citrus growers in the world. In recent years Limoneira Co. has branched out with The Mercantile and is the county franchise holder for Bob's Big Boy. In addition Limoneira is proposing to develop homes and an equestrian resort east of the city where a community college campus is also planned."We're really pleased to honor Harold as the Grand Marshall," and Grant said he hopes that a "fitting tribute" will also be possible for The Singing Cowboy - longtime parade participant George Espinosa - who passed away in recent weeks.Parade Coordinator Casey Salas said that entries are still coming in for the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of Main and 7th streets.This year the parade will wind all the way east to where Harvard Boulevard and Main Street intersect, then the procession will take a right turn onto Harvard and continue on to the Citrus Festival at Harding Park where trophies will be announced for the parade winners.So far floats dominate the entries noted Salas, including entries by past top prize winners including the Santa Paula Family Resource Center, which garnered the 2004 Citrus Parade Sweepstake.Model A's, classic muscle cars, car clubs, Santa Paula Motorcycle Riders, elected officials including Supervisor Kathy Long and the City Council, the Topa Topa Flywheelers and more have already signed up for the annual parade."I'm pretty flexible for last minute entries," of the day or so before the parade noted Salas.
Ron Merson, the longtime coordinator of the annual Optimist Club Christmas Parade, is again mentoring Salas."Ron's a big help...he's great, real positive, a lot of fun to be around," as well as being a grand master of parade organization and operation.Salas added that the purpose of the parade is for people - both the watchers and the participants - to have fun. They will also gain insight into Santa Paula and its rich traditions encourage people to attend the Citrus Festival, "Which benefits the Kiwanis Club and the whole community it supports."Salas is urging club and organizations, businesses, church groups, car clubs, marching bands, drill teams, even those who would like to decorate a wagon to pull the kids for a being in a parade experience they'll never forget especially if you count photographers among your friends."You can even chose to participate by cheering on the people who are in the parade," Salas added.The parade will feature 1st and 2nd place trophies in all categories and the Sweepstakes trophy up for the best entry using the parade theme.And don't forget the 2nd Annual Citrus Festival Car Show organized by Dan Salas that will also be held at Harding Park and offer trophies to the 1st and 2nd place winners as well as a special Best of Show award.For more information on entering the parade or Car Show contact Casey and Dan Salas at 525-2788.



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