Entries sought for O'odham Tash parade

February 2, 2018

Casa Grande Dispatch

Staff Reports

CASA GRANDE — Entries still are being sought for the annual O’Odham Tash parade.

Matt Jankowski, recreation superintendent with the city of Casa Grande, said there have been 16 entries received. The deadline to enter is Feb. 9.

The parade, which will be held on Feb. 17 beginning at 10 a.m., kicks off the two-week O’odham Tash and Cowboy Days celebration in the city.

Entries of all kinds are accepted and range from walking groups to vintage cars, Native American and rodeo royalty and bands and dancing groups, Jankowski said.

There is no fee to enter the parade, which normally will have about 50 entries. Jankowski said it’s not uncommon for entries to come in within the final two weeks before the parade.

Awards will be handed out in seven categories.

Parade staging will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Brown Avenue. Florence Boulevard and Florence Street will be closed at 9 a.m. The parade will travel down Florence Boulevard, turning left on Florence Street and ending at Florence and Second streets.

This year the grand marshals are Alex Blaine, representing the O’Odham Tash Rodeo, and Ronnie Parks for the Cowboy Days part of the celebration.

The grand marshals are chosen by the Western Pinal Mounted Sheriff’s Posse.

The city of Casa Grande has helped to organize the parade in recent years, Jankowski said.

To register and enter the parade, call Mindy Pieper at 421-8677, ext. 4561.