Triple feature: Three parades scheduled

CLOVIS - Classic cars, ticker-tape celebrations and veterans from across the state are getting the Main Street treatment Saturday, as the Draggin' Main Music Festival is providing a triple dip.

On Saturday, the morning after Loverboy rocks Marshall Middle School Auditorium, the show begins on Main Street.

The 100th anniversary parade for the American Legion begins at 10 a.m. to start the day. The parade triple feature continues in the afternoon, with a patriotic parade at 4 p.m. to celebrate Clovis' selection as one of five Great American Defense Communities. Then as the afternoon dips into evening, the hot rod parade will commence at 5 p.m.

John Montano, who organizes pretty much every Main Street parade throughout the year, said he's not sure what to expect with two of the parades being new to the festivities.

The American Legion parade takes advantage of the city hosting the legion's conference this week.

Incorporated in 1919 by Congress, the American Legion is a veteran organization devoted to advocating for patriotism and service locally and abroad. Clovis is home to Posts 25 and 117, and Montano figures they'll be the biggest floats while the other posts might be as simple as vehicles with signs indicating their post number and location.

"We've got posts from all over the state coming in," Montano said. "I'm hoping to get between 20 and 50. I'm a little new to this, so as far as turnout I'm not quite sure.

"They're excited about it. We were trying to get them closer (to the other two parades), but because of some other things they had going (during their conference) we had to do theirs earlier in the morning."

The 4 p.m. parade is something Montano thinks will be quite a visual for participants and spectators, with hundreds of U.S. flags to be given out and ticker tape throughout.

The city has promoted its selection as a Great American Defense Community throughout the year, with entryway signs and participation in a Washington, D.C., ceremony earlier this month.

"We've got a lot of people from Cannon who are going to participate, and plenty of other floats," Montano said. "It's looking good. People often bring in their entry forms at the last minute, but we'll take them. We have a lot coming in this week."

The hot rod parade, Montano said, will be the classic cars that are a staple of Draggin' Main. As far as the number or entries or what falls under the definition of a hot rod, Montano said the Draggin' Main organizers make those decisions.

Information: 575-763-3435