Presidents’ Day Parade Draws Thousands To Indio

The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival Presidents Day Grand Parade swept through the streets of Indio while thousands sat and took it all in.

“Memories and a great fair and a great parade,” J.R. Chagoya said. “This means a lot to me because I went to Coachella Valley High, and marched in the parade quite a few times.”

Some people arrived as early as 6:15 to grab good spots for the parade that started at 9:30 a.m . Marching bands, cheerleaders, floats, and horses put on a spectacle.

“The hard part is memorizing the song and being in step at the same time,” Antonio Rua of Indio High School’s marching band said.

“We’re not used to walking and cheering, so we had to get used to that, but I’m pretty sure we have it down pat,” said Ashley Carbin, an Indio High School cheerleader.

News Channel 3 anchors John White and Karen Devine and CBS Local 2 anchors Todd Piro and Karlene Chavis took part in the parade that flowed along Miles Avenue, turned on Oasis and then Highway 111.

The 2012 Queen Scheherazade proudly waved at the crowds, something she says she grew up hoping to do.

“It’s really exciting to actually be in the parade instead of actually watching it. It’s exciting to see all the spectators out there,” Jordana Totman, the 2012 Queen Scheherazade, said.

People say they don’t just love watching the parade, but watching it grow over the years as well.

“A lot different, a lot different,” Chagoya said. “A lot more floats, a lot more entertainment. Before we only had about 12 high schools here and that’s about it.”

“My personal favorite part is watching the kids have fun watching everything. The horses are a big reason why they like to come out,” Amber Stanford said.

The parade ended at the entrance to the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival which runs through Sunday, February26.