Summary
Kiddie Kapers Parade is a Salinas, California based evening parade held annually since 1930.[1][2][3] It is notable as the participants are limited to children. It is held in conjunction with “Big Week” which includes the California Rodeo Salinas, and it usually precedes the Colmo Del Rodeo night parade, as well as daily horse parades down Main Street. Children don costumes, ride decorated bicycles, appear as the Jolly Green Giant, or otherwise explore their creativity,[4] with a theme for each year, and various divisions.[5] As many as four generations of family have participated in the parade.[6] The parade is referenced in numerous books.[7][8][9][10][11] The parade is nowadays referenced in the California Rodeo Salinas website.[12]
History edit
In 1911, the Salinas Rodeo, then known as the Wild West Show, was held at the Sherwood Park at the race track. It lasted a week, thus the name, "Big Week". During this era, the Colmo del Rodeo night parade began.
In 1930, the Salinas Exchange Club promoted the first Kiddie Kapers Parade as part of the Colmo del Rodeo on Saturday night. In 1931, the Kiddie Kapers Parade was changed to the night before the opening of the Salinas Rodeo, which is its current configuration.
There was no parade from 1942 to 1945 nor 2020.
The parade is unique in that only children are allowed to participate, and every child wins a prize, including at least a $1 bill.[13][14] Approximately 1200 children participate annually.[15] Each year has a theme for the children. In 2017, the theme was Kids Just Wanna Have Fun.[16][17] Approximately 30,000 people viewed the parade in 2013.[18]
References edit
- ^ "Kiddie Kapers Parade Celebrates Rodeo in Salinas".
- ^ "Remebering the Kiddie Kapers Parade - Salinas, California - Amateur Traveler Travel Podcast". 25 October 2009.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2018-02-25. Retrieved 2018-02-24.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "PHOTOS: Kiddie Kapers Parade 2017".
- ^ "Press Release".
- ^ "California Rodeo Salinas: Children 'Saddle Up' for Kiddie Kapers Parade".
- ^ Breschini, Gary S.; Gudgel, Mona; Haversat, Trudy (3 March 2018). Early Salinas. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 9780738529936 – via Google Books.
- ^ Santoro, Joan (30 May 2008). If You Got the Guts, Run Baby Run: A Woman's Story. Xlibris Corporation. ISBN 9781465328038 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Monterey Life". Alarcon Comuunications Group. 3 March 1988 – via Google Books.
- ^ "The Highway Traveler". Greyhound Management Company. 3 March 2018 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Better Homes and Gardens". Meredith Corporation. 3 March 1971 – via Google Books.
- ^ https://www.carodeo.com/events/2023/kiddie-kapers-parade
- ^ "Monterey County Historical Society, Local History Pages--The California Rodeo". www.mchsmuseum.com.
- ^ "kiddie kapers parade salinas - Bing video". www.bing.com.
- ^ "Kiddie Kapers Parade Kicks Off Several Kid Friendly Big Week Events".
- ^ Salinas, California Rodeo. "Kiddie Kapers Parade - 15 July 2017". Evensi.
- ^ "Kiddie Kapers Parade". allevents.in.
- ^ KSBW Action News 8 (13 July 2013). "Salinas prepares for Kiddie Kaper Parade" – via YouTube.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
External links edit
- Kiddie Kapers Parade