Community Corner

Poway Patriotic Parade to Honor Military and Others Who Serve

The annual parade will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10, a day before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.

The community will honor and remember those who serve and have served the country during the 47th annual Poway Patriotic Parade, which will take place the day before the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

This year’s parade theme, “Honoring Those Who Serve. Yesterday… Today… Tomorrow,” was chosen to pay tribute to the armed forces, law enforcement, firefighters, and medical and support personnel.

“We have such a patriotic spirit here in Poway,” said Sabrina Butler, president of the Poway Community Association, which organizes the parade. “We just knew that we wanted to be able to thank and honor all of those who serve for all that they do to keep us safe and protected everyday.”

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Another feature of this year’s parade will be the “Special Seats for Special Heroes,” a covered bleacher section for veterans. Veterans and their guests will be able to take a shuttle from the , said Kathy Mechling, who is helping coordinate the special seating.

“Those are the heroes,” said Mechling. “There’s just a lot of good people out there that work for us every day behind the scenes, and it is time to acknowledge them.”

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The Poway Community Association launched a fundraising campaign in May to finance the volunteer-run event. Fundraising co-chairs Sue Herndon or Sharon Cafagna are seeking sponsors for $100 to $10,000.

Herndon said fundraising efforts were launched earlier this year because of the still-struggling economy.

“Economic times are tough, businesses are still not extremely wealthy and they’re struggling,” Herndon said. “But when it comes to patriotism, they figure out a way to open their wallets.”

Parade organizers hope to raise $35,000. They have raised almost $10,000 so far, Herndon said.

“We've got some great people in this community that come forth and support us,” she said.

 An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 people are expected to line the parade route through the city, which will begin at the intersection of Poway and Pomerado roads and continue eastbound along Poway Road to the . More than 100 entrants are expected to participate in the parade, which will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10.

“We would love for as many folks as possible to come to this parade, whether as a participant or a spectator,” Butler said. “It’s going to be a great morning, and I’m really excited!”

Volunteers raised $25,000 within eight weeks to hold the parade in 2009, after the cut funding for the annual event. Volunteers raised about $26,000 and added a picnic to last year’s festivities. This year, organizers plan to hold a pre-parade breakfast, pet parade and performance by local elementary school students on parade day.

“It takes a lot of effort and a lot of commitment from a lot of people to be able to put on this parade,” Butler said. “We’re really focusing and making sure this is a wonderful event for our community.”

For more information about entering, donating or volunteering, visit www.powayca.org. For sponsorship details, call Herndon at 858-344-9000, or Cafagna at 858-518-7180. To volunteer, call 858-395-9888. 


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