Hesperia Days organizers preparing for big September weekend
The 73rd annual Hesperia Days Parade will roll down Main Street next month with a caravan of marching bands, floats, community groups, animals, vintage vehicles, and plenty of surprises.
Hosted by the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, Hesperia Days is a two-day celebration, which begins Sept 17 and will feature a 5K Run, Walk and Skate, the parade, a rodeo, the American Music Festival, The Great Duck Race, and fireworks.
5K Run/Walk/Skate
Hesperia Days kicks off on Sept. 17 with the annual 5K Run/Walk/Skate at the Percy Bakker Community Center at 9333 E St.
This year's 5K will feature a competitive running division that begins at 7:30 a.m. and a non-competitive run/walk/skate that starts at 8 a.m.
Competitive runners must check in at the Percy Bakker Community Center before the race.
No registration is necessary for the non-competitive run/walk/race. Participants will meet at the corner of E Avenue and Main Street before race time.
There are 300 5K T-shirts available for $10. For registration, T-shirt, and general information about the 5K, call 760-244-5488 ext. 125 or visit HesperiaParks.com.
Hesperia Days Parade
The Rock'n Our Disabilities Foundation will present the Hesperia Days Parade with the theme “Beyond the Stars.”
The Parade starts at 9 a.m. on Main Street, with the caravan traveling west from Timberlane Avenue/Sultana Street toward E Avenue.
The parade’s grand marshal is “ObiBill,” a robed-wearing Jedi character from the Rebel Legion, an international Star Wars costuming organization that assists at charity and community events.
For information on sponsorships and parade participation, call 760-998-2241 or visit rocknourdisabilitiesfoundation.org.
Hesperia Lake
After the parade, the festivities begin at 11 a.m. at Hesperia Lake Park at 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road.
A full day of events includes a variety of vendors, a Kids Zone, the Great Duck Race, and a firework show that begins at sundown.
The All American Music Festival lineup includes Mojave Heat, Aces & Eights, Twenty Dollar Prophets and Manantial De Fuego.
Great Duck Race
The Victor Valley Community Services Council will present its annual Great Duck Race, with ticket holders having an opportunity to win cash prizes.
During the race, hundreds of toy ducks will float downstream toward the finish line, with one ticket holder taking home the big prize.
For more information on the duck race or to purchase tickets, call 760-243-9646.
Hesperia Lake Park events are free. Fees are charged for activities in the Kids Zone, and parking at Hesperia Lake Park is $5.
Hesperia Rodeo
The Hesperia Days Rodeo will be “Back in the Saddle” on Sept. 17 and 18 at the Val Shearer Arena inside Hesperia Lake Park.
Gates to the rodeo open at 3 p.m., with the rodeo starting at 5 p.m. Rodeo entry cost is $15 per person, 3 and under are free. Two-day wristbands are $25.
General parking is $5, and VIP parking is $15. Vendor spots are $60 for one day or $100 for two days.
Retired teacher Kathy Johnson told the Daily Press that she and her family look forward to enjoying Hesperia Days every year.
“Hesperia Days is one everyone comes out and celebrates as a community,” said Johnson, who moved to Hesperia in 2001. “For me, my favorite part of Hesperia Days are the bands that perform at Hesperia Lake. We all love the parade and fireworks, and my grandkids love the kids' activities.”
For more information on the rodeo or events at Hesperia Lake Park, call 760-244-5488 or visit HesperiaParks.com.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Hesperia Days organizers preparing for big September weekend
