Poway Days Parade picks theme, grand marshal
Recently retired San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman will be the grand marshal of the 54th annual Poway Days Parade, to be held on Sept. 8.
The selection of Zimmerman was made by the sponsoring Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps in conjunction of the disclosure of the parade’s theme, “Be the Inspiration.” It is also the theme this year for Rotary International.
Zimmerman was the first woman to serve as San Diego’s police chief and her tenure of 35 years set a service record for sworn female officers. Zimmerman was appointed chief in 2014 and retired in March.
“We hope that this theme inspires people to see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change; across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves,” said club President Karen Herreros.
The club has started a fundraising campaign to help underwrite the costs of the parade, which kicks off three weeks of Poway Days activities. The parade typically attracts about 100 entries of floats, marching bands, equestrian units and youth groups. The Rotary club has sponsored it since 2013.
“It’s a truly wonderful, good old-fashioned parade,” past club President Pauline Getz said. “Besides delighting the more than 10,000 participants it attracts, the parade serves as the club’s largest annual fundraiser to generate money for community service projects after the considerable parade expenses are satisfied”.
The parade website is PowayDaysParade.org.
Rotary is a leadership organization of local business, professional and civic leaders. The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps meets for lunch at noon each Wednesday at Mainstream Bar & Grill. Guests and prospective members are welcome.
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