Spots still open for Wasco Rose Festival Parade

Excitement is building for the Wasco Rose Festival Parade on Saturday, Sept.7, starting at 10 a.m. There's still time to participate-applications are being accepted for parade participants.

"My goal this year is to make this the biggest parade we've ever had," says Christi Johnson, a member of the Rose Festival Group. "Currently, we have 25 entries with 450 participants, including Planet Dance Studio, the City of Wasco, the Rose Queens, local golf carts, Wasco Glass, Kern County Sheriff's Posse, Walmart, Fix It All Electric, Wasco Tiger Taekwondo, Wasco FFA, OFCC Kern County Car Club, Mattress by Appointment, Rusty Volkswagen Car Club and more coming in. We also have Wasco High School and Wasco middle school marching bands and every Wasco elementary school will be participating,"

Johnson encourages businesses, nonprofits, schools and other organizations to join in. "We want to promote everyone. It's a great way for them to get exposure and put their name out there. With thousands of spectators expected, it's the year's biggest event. People from Wasco and surrounding communities will attend, making it a fantastic opportunity to participate."

Contact Johnson at 661-772-4107 for applications.

Stephanie Mixco, another Rose Festival Group member, oversees the vendor lineup for the Rose Festival at Barker Park, which will follow the parade. She is still accepting applications for retail vendors.

"I've secured some fantastic food vendors this year, with over 20 in total. We'll have various options, including Mexican, Filipino, birria, Wasco's famous Carnitas El Jesse, pastrami sandwiches, churros, pizzas and potatoes on a stick. There are a lot of delicious assortments to choose from. We'll set up in the parking lot behind the Parks and Rec office, next to the car show.

"For retail vendors, we've lined up an exciting selection of clothing, jewelry, kids' toys, croc charms, Mexican clothing, plants, floral arrangements, sweet treats, artisanal honey and homeware. We'll also have airbrush tattoos and more. We're still looking to add more vendors, so there's plenty of opportunity to join us."

The deadline for retail vendor applications is Aug 30. Applications are available on the Wasco Rose Festival Facebook page or by emailing vendor.WascoRF@gmail.com. The fee is $75. Call Stephanie Mixco at 661-240-3964 for more information.