Grape Day Parade sticks to historical roots

By: SHANNON WINGARD - For the North County Times | Sunday, September 9, 2007 12:17 AM PDT ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- Residents sat curbside along Grand Avenue as a steady stream of attractions, including vintage tractors and automobiles, and medieval and Western riders, passed by Saturday morning as part of the annual Grape Day Parade.

The annual parade and festival, held afterward in Grape Day Park, were organized by the Escondido Historical Society.

The events are part of the annual Grape Day community celebration that began in 1908 and is held on the first Saturday after Labor Day. Given the historical roots, it isn't surprising that portions of the parade contained glimpses into the past.

Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, members of the City Council, Grand Marshal Arie de Jong, and parade King and Queen Bill and Lucy Fark rode in a variety of antique cars. The parade also featured vintage John Deere and Farmall tractors that brought back childhood memories for at least a few people.

John Zora, of Scripps Ranch, said he remembers his family using one of the "old-time" John Deere tractors when he was a child in Iraq. Although he has lived in the United States for more than 30 years, he said he recognized it immediately.

Alice Wilson of Escondido said she recognized the type of Farmall tractor that her family used when she was growing up in Texas. She said the vehicle brought back memories of "taking water to my father" when he was working in the family's fields.

Her husband, Ed, also said he enjoyed the parade, but his focus was more on the people.

"The people of the parade are just so giving of their time," he said.

This year's parade focused on "The Grape Days of Classic Television," and featured a variety of themed entries, including one modeled after "The Beverly Hillbillies."

The parade also featured dance teams and school marching bands as well as community organizations like Escondido's Boy Scout Troop 649, the Winchester Widows and the Old Escondido Hammer and Drill Team.

Gary Klotz and his wife, Lois, brought their grandchildren to the parade.

Although 8-year-old granddaughter Elizabeth Olson had never seen a parade before, she said "I thought it was great."

While her favorite part was the pink tractor, her 10-year-old sister, Sarah, said, she liked seeing "the little horse" the best. Ý

"I love all kinds of horses," she explained, smiling.

Lisa Maguire said she only learned of the parade that morning, but she was happy she made the last-minute decision to bring her three children.

After waving to firefighters from Escondido's Fire Department at the end of the parade, Maguire said, "we thought it was awesome."

While her 6-year-old son, Orion, said the medieval costumes were his favorite, her eldest son, Charlie, said he couldn't pick just one attraction.

"What I really liked was each stopped to do something different," he said.