The rainfall may have dampened a few floats and caused the
perfectly coifed hair of a few princesses to frizz, but the drizzle
didn’t hamper ‘Baler pride.
Hollister – The rainfall may have dampened a few floats and caused the perfectly coifed hair of a few princesses to frizz, but the drizzle didn’t hamper ‘Baler pride.
Students and community members Friday watched the Homecoming parade as class and club floats drove down San Benito and Monterey streets, displaying San Benito High School’s spirit to the rest of Hollister. Homecoming week’s theme of “Blast from the Past” was apparent in the groups’ painstakingly-created floats and costumes.
Barbara Lasseter and Helen Maggini, both age 77, came out to watch the parade despite temperamental weather. Both women were “Hollister High” alumni and both worked at the high school.
“It’s just fun to see the kids and their enthusiasm. I try to go every year,” Lasseter said.
Maggini said they had walked in the parade “years ago,” but now they just watch and cheer for the students.
Starting off the parade was the school’s marching band and color guard. For future ‘Baler Ramon Martinez, 10, it’s the best part of the parade.
Ramon said he had been to the parade for more years than he could remember, but looked forward to it every year.
“I like coming because it’s nice and my brother plays,” Ramon said.
Many San Benito High School students participated in the parade in different capacities. Drama club students created an ancient Greek ode. The freshmen class carried ‘Give Peace a Chance’ signs reminiscent of the 1960s. Varsity, junior varsity and freshmen football players rode down the road on giant trucks dressed in their jerseys while the cheerleaders shouted cheers.
But other students came merely to watch the happenings.
Freshmen Bradley Hernandez,14, and Jesus Vasquez, 14, came “to see what’s going on.”
They said they would “probably” watch the football game and “probably” go to the Homecoming dance. Both boys said they had watched the parade for many years.
“There’s nothing else to do,” Vasquez said, with a shrug.
