The California
Rodeo Salinas’ Kiddie Kapers Parade, presented by The Salinas Californian, is
in its 85th year; this annual parade filled with children, floats
and more is always a crowd favorite. Thousands of people line the streets of
Old Town Salinas to watch over 1,200 children ride on floats, bikes, in wagons and
more as a kick off to Big Week and the California Rodeo Salinas. Nina Harmer, the
winner of the Monterey County Spelling Bee, will act as Grand Marshall of the
parade and she along with the Best Dressed Cowboy and Cowgirl will each receive
a belt buckle donated by Sandy Shaffer. The parade will take place on Saturday
July 11th at 6:30pm, starting and ending at the Salinas Recreation
Center at 320 Lincoln Avenue, winding its way to Main Street via Clay Street.
Judging starts at 5:30pm and there is no pre-registration required for this
free parade. The Colmo del Rodeo Parade will follow the Kiddie Kapers Parade
and start at 8pm. To watch both parades, find a spot to sit on Main Street between
Clay Street and Central Avenue.
The theme for the
2015 Kiddie Kapers Parade is “Every Child is a Superhero” which goes perfectly
with the California Rodeo’s “Our Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” ad campaign.
Children are encouraged to be creative and express themselves with their
costumes and adults walking with their children are also encouraged to get into
the spirit of the theme and dress up as well.
There are 7
divisions in the parade:
1) Playground Floats - floats by Salinas' playgrounds & parks organized by the Salinas Recreation & Parks division.
2) Cowboys & Cowgirls-kids in western dress. The best dressed cowboy and cowgirl ride in the official cars at the front of the parade.
3) Strollers & Wagons - costumed kids & small decorated strollers & wagons.
4) Community groups - community groups/neighbors in common uniforms/costumes.
5) Costumed Kids & Pets - small animals in costumes and their masters-in-costume.
6) Dance & Drill Teams - organized baton, dance and marching units.
7) Rolling Riders - costumed kids on decorated bicycles.
**Children on bikes or skates must wear helmets**
Judging is done by
community members and graduates of the Leadership Salinas Valley program. There
is a first place award in each category with cash prizes. Each child gets a
ribbon, $1 bill and coupons from local merchants.
To learn more about the Kiddie Kapers Parade and other Big Week events,
please visit www.carodeo.com. Call
831-775-3100 or email kiddiekapersparade@gmail.com for additional information.
About the
California Rodeo
The California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 16-19,
2015. The California Rodeo Association is a not-for-profit organization that
strives to preserve and promote the traditions of the California Rodeo Salinas
and the West. We support the community and other non-profit organizations
through the staging of the annual California Rodeo Salinas and other year round
operations of the Salinas Sports Complex. Through donation of our facility,
vending and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the
California Rodeo Association returns between $200,000 and $300,000 annually to
local non-profits. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log
on to www.CARodeo.com or
call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775.3100. 'Like' the California Rodeo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CARodeoSalinas or follow us on twitter @CaliforniaRodeo for
updates, photos and more.