The Española YMCA Teen Center will host the 2012 Harvest Youth Parade Oct. 31 on the west side of Española.
Teen Center Director Ben Sandoval said this is the second year the Center is coordinating the parade. He hopes participation from the community will strengthen youth ties and support.
“The first purpose of the parade is to allow a venue for our youth and our youth-serving organizations to promote the work they are doing to positively impact our community,” Sandoval said. “The parade is also intended to draw spectators that will support our youth in their endeavors of becoming successful young adults.”
The entry fee to the parade is one canned or boxed non-perishable food item, All food items will be donated to needy families in the Española Valley as part of the Teen Center’s Harvest Food Drive, sponsored in conjunction with the Harvest Youth Parade.
“There are families that are not eating healthy meals and there is a direct correlation with hungry kids feeling sad and performing poorly in their academics,” Sandoval said. “It is our intent to be supportive of families by shedding some caring light upon them and reminding people that as an organization the ‘Y’ really cares about our community.”
Immediately following the parade, all registered parade participants will be welcomed at the Teen Center to take part in an appreciation ceremony and be treated to complimentary Frito pies. Outreach members of Valley View United Methodist Church will supply the Frito pies and Coca-Cola of Santa Fe will contribute refreshments.
Sandoval said the Teen Center would like to offer cash prize awards for the top 3 floats but he’s found it challenging to acquire funding to cover cash prizes.
“We have been unsuccessful in obtaining these awards or any cash prizes to support our interests,” Sandoval said. “There is still time for the community to come forward and support our desire to reward the youth with the best floats.”
Parade participants will begin lining up at 3:30 p.m. on Hill Street. Lineup will continue until 4:20 p.m.
Entrants can choose from the following parade transport options: ride a golf cart or decorated car, a four-wheeler, large rig or semi-flatbed, pickup with or without a small trailer, bicycle or a float; or participants can dance, perform, march or walk. Entrants must first register with parade organizers to participate in the procession.
The parade will begin at 4:30. The route will run Hill Street through the Plaza de Española, continue onto North Coronado Street and will finish at the Teen Center, 808 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Road.