The California Rodeo’s annual Kiddie Kapers Parade will take place Sunday, July 14th at 3 pm in the Salinas City Center. The parade is presented by Sakata Seeds America and is one of many events that cater to children, but are fun for all ages, during Big Week-the week surrounding the four performances of the California Rodeo Salinas.
The Kiddie Kapers Parade is a 93-year-old traditional event that many generations of families have participated in. No pre-registration is required, and the parade is free for participants and spectators. The theme is ‘Growing Champions.’ Children are encouraged to dress up; they can walk, ride bicycles, scooters, or other wheels (helmets are required), be on a community float and more. Divisions and more details are available at https://www.carodeo.com/events/2024/kiddie-kapers-parade.
The grand marshal this year is twelve-year-old Kelly Mata-Navarro, a local cancer survivor who was the California Rodeo’s delegate for the Golden Circle of Champions at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in December of 2023. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2019, Mata-Navarro has beat cancer three times, proving herself to be a fighter and a champion. Beyond her battles, Kelly enjoys spending time with her pug, Vaquero, and expresses herself through the art of dance. Her creativity knows no bounds, and she aspires to channel that creativity into a future career as a designer.
“The Kiddie Kapers Parade Committee loves putting on an event that brings so much joy to the Salinas community and we can’t wait to see all the participants and spectators on July 14th,” said Mikel Ann Miller, chairman of the committee.
About California Rodeo Salinas
The 114th California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 18-21, 2024. 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 donations of our facility, vending, and fundraising opportunities during Rodeo and other events, the California Rodeo Association created opportunities for non-profits and community groups to receive over $771,000 in 2023. For more information about the California Rodeo Salinas, log on to www.CARodeo.com or call the California Rodeo Office at 831-775-3100.