Silver Spur rodeo parade entries being accepted

Parades are popular in the Yuma area, and the one for the 63rd annual Silver Spur Rodeo promises to be among the biggest.

Sponsored by the Yuma Jaycees Foundation, the theme of the Feb. 9 parade will be "Lasso the Old West," a title suggested by Yuma's YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The group is supportive of the rodeo parade and took the top float prize in 2007.

Garth Worthen, chairman for the 2008 parade, has sent out applications for the parade to all who participated last year.

Applications are available at the Jaycee Clubhouse, 2577 E. County 14th St., Worthen said. Completed applications must be in the Jaycee office, P.O. Box 2797, Yuma, Ariz. 85366 by Feb. 1.

Classifications for the parade include equestrian, for which first- and second-place awards will be presented for each of the following categories: western single, male, female; matched western pair; mounted color guard; mounted riding group with three or more riders; hitch-drawn vehicle; family group; charro group; and feature silver rider.

The float category has a fee of $40 per entry. One sweepstakes trophy will be awarded for the best entry. In addition, first-, second- and third-place honors will be given in the categories of community organizations, commercial organizations, youth in eighth grade and younger, youth in ninth grade and older and religious organization.

Floats with sound systems must be in low volume. Participants are to follow the parade or western theme.

First- and second-place awards will be for the best antique vehicle, for the auto club with five cars per entry, and "other" vehicles.

Call the Jaycees, 344-5451, for information about entries for miscellaneous groups, such as color guard and royalty; marching band, marching group and novelty.

Parade participants will meet at 15th Street and 4th Avenue at 7 a.m. the day of the parade for judging, proceed to Orange Avenue and to Main Street.

The Silver Spur Rodeo will be at the Yuma County Fairgrounds Feb. 8, 9 and 10.