Published weekly

October 9, 2008

By Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun

     ALPINE — Viejas Days was another resounding success for Alpine! The parade entries this year gathered on Alpine Boulevard before 8 a.m., to line up for a two and a half mile march of Alpine pride. The theme this year was Music and Pageantry.
     This year the parade was preceded by a review of bands in which experts rated the bands on certain criteria. After the review, the bands: Castle Park High School, Patrick Henry, Grossmont High School, El Capitan High School, El Cajon Valley High School and Christian High School marched in the parade.
     Then a committee of community members again judged the bands on their visual performance, and then after the parade the competition was continued at the Viejas Outlet Center where they were judged in a drum line competition. Next week we will announce the winner of the competition, as that information was unavailable at the time of this article.
     The pageantry of the parade was regally represented by Miss Kumeyaay Nation, Emily Burgueno, and little Miss Kumeyaay Nation, who appeared in beautifully crafted cultural costume. Also, all the royalty of Alpine, Miss Alpine Lauren Watson, Miss Teen Alpine, Jackie Felix, Jr. Miss Alpine Hayley Ford, and Little Miss Alpine, Carlee Gilko appeared in elegant gowns.
     Our local merchants, as always made colorful appearances, along with local clubs strutting their stuff, sports teams playing games, dance schools attendees stepping to the beat, and the local Lion’s Club growling by to the tune of ‘In the Jungle’.
     The Kiwanis proudly marched, as did students from Alpine Academy who displayed their fencing abilities, their coyote mascot and football team. Local fire and law enforcement made a great show, which included Viejas and Alpine Fire Departments, the Sheriff’s department and CHP.
     Honorary Mayor Candidate Mike Park was present with a banner and shirts that read “Vote for Mike.” Albertson’s director, Bob Ring who is also running for Mayor drove along in a vintage truck followed by the Albertson’s 18-wheeler.
     Other candidates running for “real” offices also marched in the parade. 52nd Congressional district candidates Mike Lumpkin and Duncan D. Hunter glad-handed along the parade line. Pat Cannon walked, with her dogs, wearing a sandwich board campaigning for her seat on the Padre Dam water board. AUSD incumbent Ann Pierce supporters marched along with the crowd as well carrying signs and shouting their support for her re-election.