Resident resubmits request for procession

Sean Ferreira had a vision in March for a religious procession to take place next Friday.

And twice, the Clovis city commission has decided against a five-hour procession route along Main and Mitchell streets.

In today’s 5:15 p.m. city commission meeting at the Clovis-Carver Public Library, Ferreira is submitting his third request for the Aug. 28 “Jump Up” event, and he’s hoping he can overcome previous objections given by commissioners.

The procession, which was voted down unanimously Aug. 6, originally was proposed to go along Main and Mitchell streets from Ninth to 13th Streets, with participants following a diesel truck playing worship music.

The event submitted for approval now runs from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Main and Pile streets from Second to Fifth Street. This route includes no residential areas, which was an objection raised by commissioners.

Ferreira said a lack of support had the commission hesitant.

“I didn’t have enough people show up (to the meeting),” he said. “They wanted me to draw a crowd and I didn’t. In light of that, I’ve started a petition for this meeting. I already have over 200 signatures.”

Ferreira is seeking a waiver of fees for using a city generator and barricades totaling $900, according to the commission agenda.

Uncertainty about the event is a factor in the lack of funds, Ferreira said, along with church commitments to other events and his reluctance to pressure donors.

“I haven’t really been begging people for funds,” Ferreira said. “I’ve let people know. I only want somebody who has a heart for God to do it. I don’t want them to help because I knocked on their door seven times a week.”