COUNTYWIDE : Entries Are Sought for Fiesta Parade

The Mexican American Chamber of Commerce of Ventura County is accepting applications from those who plan to participate in the annual Fiestas Patrias parade in Oxnard in September.

The parade will march through downtown Oxnard at noon on Sept. 14, and will feature local high school marching bands, novelty cars, equestrian units and floats.

Parade participants are encouraged to adopt themes, costumes and music relating to this year’s theme, “Family and Fiesta.”

“We’re expecting about 100 entries,” said Robert Sanchez, president of the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce. Sanchez said entries will be judged and awarded trophies after the parade at the festival site at Plaza Park.

Sanchez said the parade is one of several events planned Sept. 14 and 15 at the Oxnard park. Other events scheduled to celebrate Mexican Independence Day will include live music and dance performances, broadcasts by local radio and television stations, arts and crafts booths, food vendors and a children’s carnival.

The festival is the chamber’s largest fund-raiser. But Sanchez said it’s also of great value to the community.

“It provides opportunities for Hispanics to do business with each other, and others to do business with the Hispanic community,” he said.

The county’s Mexican American Chamber of Commerce was incorporated in 1978 and now has 150 members. The organization is planning to change its name to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, to reflect the name change instituted five years ago at the state level.

The registration deadline for the parade is Aug. 23. For information, call Pat Lopez, parade chairman, at 486-0266, or inquire at the Chamber’s new office at 555 South A St., Suite 185, Oxnard.