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Blog Entry 33 of 51 Something to think about...

An occasional visit to things that make you go "hmmm..." opinions on life in the world close up and far away. By trade, I'm a community reporter covering Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys for the Daily News, but can't help thinking outside the box sometimes...in the spirit of full disclosure, I'm involved with the Canyon Theatre Guild and Newhall Redevelopment, so history and the arts are pretty important to me. I'm open to discussions, suggestions, criticisms and compliments. I might not like what you say, but I'll defend your right to say it. Shall we?

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It's parade time, where's your entry form?

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Contributed by: carol rock/valleynews.com on 6/8/2007

Holy cow, we're halfway through June and I don't see wagons circling or at least practicing their choreography. Don't they know it's time to get ready for the parade?

As we have for decades and decades, despite war and strife and gas shortages and road transfers and toilet paper rationing and people just deciding it was too hot to go outside, there WILL be a Fourth of July parade.

On the Fourth of July. (Yes, someone always asks).

We have been called the biggest Fourth of July parade in the country, back when we were also named one of the most patriotic cities and flag-waving was at its most enthusiastic level. We may start out small, but by June 27 (the drop-deadline for submitting entry forms, no kidding), we usually have about 100 entries. It's a rambunctious, rowdy yet respectful and rip-roaring good time for everyone involved.

Even the parade committee says so about a week later.

Forms for this year's parade are available at scvparade.com - download an application, a liability waiver, slip your completed forms and entry fees ($35 for nonprofits, $150 for businesses) into an envelope, mail it (an important step) and you're good to go.

This year's parade theme is "20 Years of Cityhood" - we're celebrating the birthday of Santa Clarita, complete with its achievements and quirky habits.

I double dog dare anybody to do a float featuring hairdressers, manicurists and someone impersonating our very own Jerry Springer, City Manager Ken Pulskamp. If you're too young to remember the infamous hairdresser survey, just call Gail Ortiz.

Seriously, there are a lot of things that have happened because we have a city. Regardless where you stand on the issues, you have to admit there are a lot more people at the table talking loudly since we incorporated. Exchanging ideas is healthy; no one gets their way all the time and for the most part, the result is for the greatest good of the largest amount of people.

Speaking of people, this is a good time to remind you who puts on the parade.
It's not the City. It's not the County. It's not any charity that you're familiar with, although it runs just like a nonprofit agency. Every penny raised goes to expenses. And everyone who meets around the conference table to plan and dissect it is a volunteer.

There are PR people, school board members, arts coordinators, handymen, sound engineers, private business people, politicians and homemakers who stand to make nothing from this annual gathering of beauty queens, politicians and other attention-getters.

There are even journalists who serve on the committee; one fetches the mail and another creates the lineup. Both of us show up on parade day, coasting through check-in to see that everything's running smoothly and grabbing a microphone to tell people who's passing by. The group goes through a few bottles of Excedrin, helps the local economy by catching a couple of group dinners and miracle of miracles, shows up again the next year. Nice work if you can get it.

When my beloved brought me to this former cowtown, I swore I'd never watch a hokey parade in a place where hitching posts still graced San Fernando Road. Now I've been involved with the parade - even riding in it a few times - for so many years that I've lost count.

What we do need help with this year is marshaling the parade route. As an announcer who has stood squinting into the shimmering sunlight wa-a-a-a-a-y up past Newhall Avenue wondering when the next entry will trundle by, I can attest to how much it would be appreciated if a dozen or so volunteers would step up to help keep the entries moving. The rush of authority might be worth it.

Likewise, the folks who do this parade aren't getting any younger and could use a few young people to help unload and load up sound equipment at each of the announcer stations (there are six). If you're looking for community service hours, let me tell you, there's a whole committee worth of people willing to sign you up.
Sound like fun? I thought so.

Now, download your applications, think of a clever entry, get your forms turned in and raid the party store for decorations. If you'd like to be a volunteer marshal, drop a line to info@scvparade.com or message me here at the Daily News (carol.rock@dailynews.com). And if you're ALREADY ready for the parade, post a picture of your group and a quick story about yourselves on valleynews.com.
See you on the Fourth!

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