On a warm sunny day with gentle breezes, more than 50 entries participated in the Nov. 2 Los Banos Veterans Parade, including many veterans and members of the military; several marching bands; and floats from elementary, junior high and high schools, all celebrating the United States Coast Guard, the military branch honored this year.
According to Parade Chairperson Patricia McCoy, the schools that won first place in their categories for their floats were Grasslands Elementary School, Creekside Junior High School and Los Banos High School.
“I want to thank all the schools that participated,” McCoy said, “as well as all the individuals and groups that were a part of the parade. It was a fitting tribute to our military members and veterans and the sacrifices they have made to preserve our freedom.”
The parade started promptly at 11 a.m. and ended efficiently and smoothly an hour later. Spectators lined the streets of the parade (Sixth, I, Fourth, F and E Streets) waving flags and applauding as the entries passed by.
Announcers at two different locations provided the spectators with details about the entries, which included a fire truck with members of the Los Banos City Council and school bus with members of the Los Banos Unified School District Board of Trustees.
The breakfast at the Veterans Hall earlier that day sponsored by the Los Banos American Legion Auxiliary was also well attended, and the parade participants appreciated the free hot dogs and beverages the auxiliary provided at the hall after the parade.
