The Sunnyvale View > News
Parade to recognize several milestones
Published: Wednesday, March 28, 2012 11:33 PM CDT
Mesquite’s annual rodeo parade, a long-standing area tradition marches through downtown Mesquite at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31.
This year’s rodeo parade is a celebration of Mesquite’s history.
“We are celebrating several anniversaries at this event.” said Cliff Keheley, parade chair. “Our theme is Mesquite’s 125th anniversary so we hope all of the entries recognize this milestone for the community. We also have the Girl Scouts celebrating their 100th Year.”
Another notable anniversary, the 100th anniversary of the Mesquite Fire Department, will also be celebrated.
“We are recognizing the anniversary by making the entire department the grand marshal of the parade.” Keheley said. “We will have numerous fire apparatus representing the history of fire fighting in Mesquite and we will also have two of Mesquite’s original fire fighters in the parade, retired deputy chief Bud Riggs and retired captain Richard Powell. Current and retired fire fighters will be participating in the parade in some form or fashion.”
He said that the department has planned to show various pieces of firefighting apparatuses the department would have use over its 100 years. Keheley said there will be approximately eight to 12 apparatuses in the parade.
“The kids love the fire trucks and the department gets a chance to show off the equipment they once used, from the old to the most modern fire apparatus,” Keheley said.
The parade will follow its traditional route starting on Belt Line Road at Newsom Road, proceeding through downtown Mesquite and ending on Galloway Ave. at New Market. The exchange club recommends parking on Front Street, at Mesquite High School, City Lake Park or in any available spaces in downtown to watch the parade.
“The signup went great. We have got a really good variety of entrants,” Keheley said. “We are really excited to see what happens Saturday.”
The Parade is sponsored by the Exchange Club of Mesquite, a local service club dedicated to community service, child abuse prevention and American Pride. Each year the club passes out American flags to all children attending the parade as part of its Give a Kid a Flag to Wave Project; the Mesquite Chamber of Commerce; the city of Mesquite; the HAM Association of Mesquite and First State Bank.
"This is one of [the exchange club’s] annual fundraisers. It helps us support our programs. Our main program is child abuse prevention but we also offer scholarships to high school students," Keheley said.
For information, call 972-216-6260 or visit www.cityofmesquite.com.