OXNARD : Registration for Parade Still Open

Entries are still being accepted for the 1991 Fiestas Patrias parade, organizers said.

The Oxnard Union High School District will volunteer talent from at least five of its bands for the parade, which kicks off at noon Sept. 14.

The parade, which officially begins a weekend of festivities honoring Mexican independence from Spain, will start at 8th Street and proceed up C Street in Oxnard, said Ray Rios, special events chairman at the Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce.

Bands from Hueneme, Channel Islands, Rio Mesa and Adolfo Camarillo high schools also will help celebrate the parade theme, “Family Fiesta,” Rios said.

The parade will feature an appearance by the Wells Fargo stagecoach popularized in television commercials.

Last year, the event attracted about 35,000 spectators, he said.

Other parade participants will include novelty cars, equestrian units and floats celebrating the Sept. 16, 1810, Mexican revolt against Spanish rule, said Rios. He compared the relevance of the date to the importance of July 4 in America.

There will be more than 60 food booths allowing participants to sample dishes from around the world. Other attractions will include arts and crafts, a children’s carnival and continuous live entertainment featuring local and regional entertainers, Rios said.

Entry blanks for participation in the parade may be obtained by calling Pat Lopez, parade chairman, at 486-0266, or at the Oxnard Chamber office at 555 S. A St., Suite 185. The deadline for submitting applications is Aug. 23.