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Sept. 15, 2004, 9:06PM Parade organizers invite schools to enter floatsDeadline has been extended for community groups to registerBy FLORI MEEKSChronicle Correspondent
The additional money means the event will be able to add a public and private schools category to its float competition. Last year, organizers offered cash prizes for the best church float and the best community group entry. Now schools will have the same opportunity. The specific prize amounts will be announced in upcoming weeks. "It was just a matter of money," Alvarez said. "Now we have it, so we can offer it to schools. We're very thrilled and excited to be able to do this." Parade organizers decided to extend the float entry deadline from this Friday to Sept. 24. The extra week is intended to give area schools adequate time to prepare their floats. The following Saturday, Oct. 2, is the day of the parade. In addition to float entries, this year's event will feature marching bands, dance squads, cheerleaders and athletic teams from all of the Spring Branch high schools. One of the highlights will be the Chinese dragon presentation by Master Chen Jin Choi and the USA Chen Tai Chi Federation. In addition, Houston Mayor Bill White and the mayors of each of the Memorial villages have agreed to attend, said Jimmy Wong, event co-chairman. "This is probably is going to be the first time we've had seven mayors here," he said. Last year's parade, featuring 92 entries, drew about 5,000 people, said Catherine Barchfeld, president, Spring Branch Central Super Neighborhood. "This year we are allowing 100 parade entries and are expecting as many as 10,000 people to come out to see the parade," Barchfeld said. Organizers are inviting area businesses to participate in a Market Day celebration later that day. Retailers will be offering merchandise on the sidewalks, much like the sidewalk sales of the Heights. Parade organizers also are sponsoring an essay contest for area seventh-graders. This year's topic is "How different cultures and their influences have enriched our community." The Spring Branch Multicultural Parade organization will award a $500 Memorial City Mall gift certificate to the winner, along with a $500 check to the student's school. The Spring Branch Multicultural Parade is a presentation of the three Spring Branch Super Neighborhoods — East, West and Central — along with the city of Houston and the Spring Branch Wal-Mart. The festivities are intended to promote unity among area residents, businesses, schools, police and government. So far, they seem to be realizing their goal, Wong said. Organizers have received strong support from businesses, churches and the area's Hispanic and Korean communities, Wong said. "We are really getting support in a positive way," he said.
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