Press Release

06/11/2014

The annual Kiddie Kapers Parade, presented by The Salinas Californian, is one of the most family friendly events held during Big Week. Over 1,200 children will take to the streets of Old town Salinas for this free parade on Saturday July 12th at 6:30 P.M. Line up and judging starts at 5:30 P.M. There is no pre-registration required. Tatum Bakker is the Kiddie Kapers Parade Grand Marshal; she serves as the inspiration for the parade theme this year: “A Parade for All Children.” For the first time ever, the Kiddie Kapers Parade finale will be the Herencia Mexicana horses and bull to celebrate the art of Charreria and horsemanship. The Salinas Fire Department’s vintage fire engine will also be a part of the parade.

The route returns to the route it took for the first 80 years it was held. This year, children should plan to arrive at the Salinas Recreation Center (320 Lincoln Ave) as early as 5 P.M., next door to the John Steinbeck Library. Parade Marshals will give participants awards for creativity, spunk and illustration of the theme, “A Parade for All Children,” from 5:30 – 6 P.M. The Kiddie Kapers Parade will start at the Salinas Recreation Center at 6:30P.M., enter Main St. from San Luis St. and end back at the Recreation Center where parents can pick up their children. The parade will be followed by the Colmo del Rodeo Parade starting at 8:00 P.M. To see both parades, find a spot along Main Street between San Luis Street and Central Avenue.

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 costumes with a common theme/individual children in costume
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 or skateboards
**Children on bikes or skateboards must wear helmets**

Judging for Kiddie Kapers Parade 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, a crisp $1 bill, and coupons from local merchants. Visit carodeo.com and look under Parades to find more information about the Kiddie Kapers Parade. The direct link to the event page is: http://www.carodeo.com/events/2014/kiddie-kapers-parade


About the California Rodeo Salinas

The California Rodeo Salinas will take place July 17-20, 2014. 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 almost $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.