June 12, 2007

VEP loves a parade

By Dave Fadness, VEP’s Event Chair
Special to the Times

More than 2000 people enjoyed VEP Community Association’s third annual Memorial Day Parade & Festival on June 7 this year. Starting from Carson Elementary School, the parade was led by Command Sergeant Major Demetrio Moreno’s Andrew Hill High School JRROTC Color Guard, Honor Guard, Drill Teams, and Drum Corps, with uniformed Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force representatives.

Sharkie makes a meal of a festival volunteer. Photos by Jeri Arstingstall

Joining them were Director Allison Brooks’ Fair Middle School choir and marching band, a choir comprising Carson and Parkview Elementary School students led by volunteer Directors Jim Sealy and Tanya Summers, Parkview’s Yankee Doodle Band, S.J. Sharkie, Sunny & Twinkles and eight Gunderson High School clowns, Scout troops, SJPD and fire department personnel and vehicles, custom and classic cars, and hundreds of colorfully costumed kids of all ages with decorated bikes, trikes, scooters, and coaster wagons.

The Festival began upon arrival at Parkview Elementary School. An opening patriotic ceremony featured JRROTC Color Guard’s flag salute, brief speeches, and inspiring traditional music by the Carson-Parkview Choir and Fair Middle School musicians, featuring Taps soloist Marc Joseph Dela Rea.

Parkview Elementary School Principal Robert Topf shows off his VEP award.

Entertainment began with granting of costume awards. Director Chris Moura’s Oak Grove High School’s Jazz Band performed brilliantly, delivering total audience satisfaction. Dance Kraze dancers followed with skilled and enjoyable recitals led by Owner/Director Sandy Kaiser. Master Instructor Andrew Suh showcased his America Tae Kwon Do students’ stunning martial arts routines. Disc Jockey Mike Lopez stepped in between acts with music and audience participation games. Display and game booths, refreshments, face painting, and field games rounded out the offerings for a day of family fun.

Co-sponsored by VEP, Carson and Parkview Elementary, and Gunderson High Schools, net proceeds from and donations to this all-volunteer event benefited Carson and Parkview Schools.