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Florence’s Western heritage will be on full display when the 91st annual Junior Parada Parade rolls through town in a week.
The parade starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 25 in Historic Downtown Florence
“This cherished event promises an exciting display of equestrian riders, an array of floats, and a vibrant celebration of our town’s rich Western heritage,” according to a press release from the town.
Mark Gomes, the 1998 World Champion Bareback Rider, will be the parade’s grand marshal.
While the parade is on Saturday, Nov. 25, the Junior Parada Rodeo begins the day before.
The annual junior rodeo, presented by the Historic Florence Foundation, begins at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 24 at the Charles Whitlow Rodeo Grounds 11609 AZ-79. Spectators are being asked to make a donation in any amount to gain entry into the rodeo. However, there will be a $10 per vehicle entry fee for the evening’s entertainment taking place on Nov. 25th.
There will be live music beginning at 4 p.m. with performances by Chauncey Jones and Josh Scott.
This year, Florence is changing the parade's route to enhance spectator safety. (Town of Florence)
To enhance public safety throughout and after the parade, this year the town has announced that the route for both the Junior Parada and Hometown Holiday parades will be reversed to travel east on First Street, south on Pinal Street, west on 12th Street, and north on Main Street.
“This is being done to prevent spectators leaving Main Street from crossing the parade’s path on Pinal Street as they return to their vehicles,” the release stated.
For additional information about the parade, contact community services at 520-868-7040.
For questions about the Junior Parada Rodeo and other weekend activities, contact the Historic Florence Foundation at 520-840-1653.
