The 2nd Annual Parade of Ancestors, sponsored by Calhoun County Cultures and Cuisines, is rapidly approaching with excitement, activities for children, and entertainment for all ages. This non-vehicular parade is held on the 3rd Saturday of March starting at 11:00 a.m. Prior to the parade, the lineup will be in the 100 Block of South Ann and Main Street in Downtown Port Lavaca proceeding east on Main ending at Commerce Street. The downtown area will be blocked off to all vehicular traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All residents and visitors are invited to participate in ancestral period attire or perhaps your would like to dress in favorite, modern, or vintage heritage. For additional information or to sign up for vendor/food booths, contact Rose Pena, (361) 652-0410; Betty Hicks, (361) 552-2248; or Abigail Vencia (361) 235-2606.
Welcoming residents and visitors will be Port Lavaca’s Mayor Jack Whitlow; invocation by Deacon D. J. Williams of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and singing the National Anthem, Port Lavaca native Ms. Carla Jones.
Leading the parade will be the Calhoun County Veterans Council Honor Color Guard, Mr. Charlie Orr, playing the Bagpipes, Honored Parade Marshals, Settlers of Indianola followed by the various ethnic and ancestral periods.
Available for purchases will be various ethnic foods, cold drink beverages, desserts, hand made arts and crafts.
Various children’s games area; Bouncee House sponsored by the Party Zone for children; musical entertainment and performance by the Dance Company at Faye Sterling Park; book signing at the Port Lavaca Theatre and other events on Main Street being confirmed.
Since the originating of the Calhoun County Cultures and Cuisines and the Annual Parade of Ancestors, the committee members have succeeded in focusing on the various ethnic groups, provided continued summer musical series highlighting local musical talents, and foods, providing enjoyable entertainment for all ages and groups:
August – Calhoun County Museum was the site for presentation by Mr. Benny Martinez of Goliad County, replica of The Tejano Monument as dedicated at the State’s Capitol in Austin with the history originating the statue.
September -The CCCC also had an educational forum at the Bauer Community Center with educators and business leaders from the Golden Crescent area. Topic for discussion-Education’s Impact Embracing, Empowering, and Educating Our Cultures. In addition sponsored the summer music series at Faye Sterling Park.
Oktoberfest presentation by Mary Belle Melcher Meitzen on the arrival of the German Cultures from the east coast to Calhoun County at the summer series. Also had a cultural information booth at the County Fair.
November assisted with the 150th Year Celebration of the Firing upon Port Lavaca and the canon following down Main Street without exploding.
December – Assisted with Christmas on Main Street, yearly event by the chamber. Also had a float in the Christmas Night Parade featuring many cultures in Calhoun County from the time of Indianola to present. Our latest cultural additions are the Karen’s. Three various tribes in native costume were members of the float, Karen, Kachin, and Chin.
Calhoun County Cultures and Cuisines serves as a catalyst to promote vitality and excellence of community events; focus of historical Port Lavaca and Calhoun County with its numerous diversified cultures.
This mission statement has been the goal of the members of the non-profit committee under Main Street Inc. of Port Lavaca.
“I have heard Calhoun County often referred as the melting pot for all nationalities, this may be an expression, but recently, Dr. Gloria Ornelas Gonzales, a former Port Lavaca resident, guest speaker with other professionals at the CCCC Forum, described Calhoun County as a beautiful, rich, colorful, and appetizing salad.
First you start with a clear glass bowl, add your green (lettuce); red (tomatoes or red peppers); white (cauliflower); black (olives), yellow (squash); orange and so many other foods that are known for their ethnic cuisines and it becomes an appealing dish. I agree with Dr. Gonzales, the various ethnic groups living in Calhoun County compliment our areas making it stronger and outstanding.” -Rose Pena
