Wasco Rose Parade coming back to September

The Wasco Rose Festival Parade is back in full swing with lots of planning underway to ensure the event is a success and memorable for all those that participate and attend.

It is a small team organizing the parade with committee members Anna Sanchez, Ruth Loza and Sharon Sharp.

This year's theme is the Wizard of Oz's 'There is no place like home.'

Sanchez said it was fitting.

"Let's go back to our roots and start it all over, bringing it back to how it used to be for the festival events to all take place in September."

In years before, the festival was broken up, with some elements taking place in September and others in October.

The parade will be held on Saturday, September 10th, at 10 a.m. It will go from 7th and D Street to Poplar Avenue and end at Barker Park.

The committee is looking to exceed 50 parade entrants.

"It's looking good this year. We have been contacting many businesses, schools, churches, non-profits, clubs and other organizations, getting the word out and getting great feedback from people who want to be in the parade this year," said Sanchez.

The entry fee for the parade will be a board game.

"We are not taking monetary donations. The board games will be donated to Toys for Tigers, and they will use them to give out to families and kids during Christmas. It is another good way to pass it on and give back."

Sanchez said the parade will be an excellent opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones.

"It is the biggest event of the year and a chance for the community to come together. It is a day for Wasco," said Sanchez.

This year there is an effort not only to reach out locally but to reach out to outlying communities like Los Hills, Shafter, McFarland and Bakersfield to join in on the celebration.

"We are trying to get more involvement around here for people to see what our town is about."

There will be decorated floats and three-wheelers, horses, vintage cars, marching bands, clubs, churches, school organizations, non-profits, businesses, the city council and youth sports represented.

Trophies for 1st and 2nd place will be awarded based on 25% appearance, 25% creativity/originality, 25% theme and 25% overall impression of the entry.

Categories are cars and trucks, floats, equestrians, other vehicles (golf carts and bicycles), schools and walking.

This year's judges are Hailey Coyle, Oscar Luna, Jose Robledo and Sonia Wedel.

With all this, it is a big undertaking with many volunteers helping with the parade.

"The volunteers are priceless. We want them to know they are appreciated," said Sharp.

The planning committee looks forward to an exciting year with a bigger parade.

Sanchez invites everyone to come out and join in on the fun.

"The more, the merrier,"

To register for the parade, email wascorf@gmail.com or call Sharon Sharp at (661) 910-2324.