Coachella hosts Galactic themed Holiday parade
Downtown Coachella was shining bright tonight as dozens of festive floats dazzled down the street along with performers from local schools and valley organizations.
Hundreds of people showed up for the parade, many coming out to support loved ones and making a tradition out of this annual event.
“It feels really nice to have everyone come in from the community and have their time to come and see kids and schools come and perform,” said Jazmin Diaz, a student from Thermal.
Among the performers were local marching bands, color guard, cheerleaders, and dancers.
“My school’s performing, my school right here in the front. Its name is Palm View,” said Adrian Renteria, a 10-year-old student from Coachella.
“My two daughters are here, valley view school. ones a cheerleader and one’s flags,” said Freddie Salazar of Coachella.
Downtown Coachella transformed into a winter wonderland, with sledding, food, and carnival rides.
“My favorite one is the swings that go around,” Renteria said.
The parade had a galactic theme in honor of this year’s grand marshal, former NASA Astronaut Jose Hernandez. He told News Channel 3 he’s fulfilled his American dream.
“It wasn’t too far away from here that I used to pick strawberries as a kid, as a migrant farm worker in Ontario, Chino, then moved over to Salinas. 9 months in California, 3 months in Mexico. I saw the very last Apollo mission on TV,” Hernandez said.
Herandez said that’s when he knew he’d travel to space one day and tonight he has a message to valley children.
“Anything is possible, as long as you’re willing to get an education, work hard for it, and never, ever, ever give up,” Hernandez said.
Those who attended told News Channel 3 said their favorite part of the night was being with family, a special way to ring in the holidays.
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