Posted by Melanie Potter
 
Planning a parade takes months of coordinating judges, locating PA systems, obtaining permits, requesting street closures, marketing, and raising thousands of dollars to help underwrite the expenses.  Now in its 55th year, the parade will make its way down Poway Road on September 7.  Once again the Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps will host it and, this year, the name has been changed to Palomar Health Presents Poway Rotary Parade.   The name change reflects Palomar Health being the major sponsor  to the parade and securing the naming rights to it.  
 
"We are pleased and proud to have the support of Palomar Health as our title sponsor this year.  They have been stellar community citizens and we are happy to be aligned and associated with such a solid organization," said Pauline Getz, Rotary Cub Poway-Scripps past president.  
 
In addition to Palomar Health being the major sponsor, at press time gold sponsors include Shultz Gutzmer and Geico.  "Geico has been a consistent sponsor of the parade for many years.  Their continued support is a great example of their serious community involvement and we are very grateful," said Getz.
 
Lending their voices to the parade will be thee announcers, Dave Manson (formerly of Sunny 98.1), Channel 10 News meteorologist, Megan Parry, and Laura Gonzales, the Parent Liaison Bilingual for Valley Elementary School.  Parry grew up in Poway and attended Twin Peaks Middle School and Poway High School.  
 
Trophies will be awarded to parade favorites so deemed by judges.  One judge was chosen for his dedication to Rotary and he is Powegian, Don Glover who served as area assistant governor for Rotary District 5340.  Two additional judges are being confirmed.  
More than sixty-five entries have committed to walking down Poway Road on parade day and an old favorite, the Victorian Rose Ladies riding Society, will once again appear.  
 
County Supervisor, Dianne Jacob will serve as the grand marshal and this year's parade theme is 'Celebrate Country Living'.
 
The Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps has hosted the parade since 2013.  "We jumped in when the community was at risk of losing the parade and discovered we love presenting it!" said Getz.  "It's a truly wonderful, good old-fashion parade.  The  parade serves as the club'/s largest annual fundraiser.  Proceeds generate money for community service projects after the considerable parade expenses are satisfied.