Presidents’ Grand Parade Takes Center Stage In Indio

INDIO – The Indio High School marching band led the pack as it weaved through the streets of downtown Indio. The annual Presidents’ Day Grand Parade was here, and Cynthia Vazquez and her family weren’t going to miss it.

“Oh my god! Every year, it’s like we have to be here every year,” she said.

The parade has been taking place for as long as anyone can remember. Beth Ash, of Palm Desert, says her grandson is five years old, and he hasn’t missed a parade.

Rick Valdez says the parade is part of growing up in Indio, known as the “City of Festivals.”

“It touches home, it really does,” he said. “I’ve been doing to the Date Fest and the parade for years. I was actually in the parade at Indio High School many, many years.”

The parade began at 9:30 a.m. and lasted for nearly two hours. Lots of fun, and lots of sun. It was a contrast from last year when rain gave the parade a soggy start.

But spectators still brought their umbrellas this year…for shade.

“Actually, Ihad to get it at the little thrift store. I thought it was going to be cloudy, but it’s beautiful sunshine today,” said Vazquez.

Everyone was all smiles as clowns, horses and floats flooded the streets. The parade made another mark in Indio from one generation to another.

“I’m a family man with traditions,” said Valdez.

Vazquez added: “It gives me a lot of pride just to be part ofIndio. It’s exciting! I wouldn’t have it anywhere else.”