By CAITLIN PEARSALL

Special to the Bulletin

Manteca Unified — as part of its effort to build a community — staged the second annua; Weston Ranch Holiday Parade on Friday
 Key organizers were Weston Ranch High Activities Director Clayton Basepayne and August Knodt Elementary staff member and MUSD parent, Fina Vasquez.

The event was further supported by Weston Ranch Principal Troy Fast, student leaders from Weston Ranch High, August Knodt Elementary Principal Lemuel Vergara, and more.

The parade started at the high school and continued throughout the various neighborhoods of Weston Ranch.

The Holiday Parade’s purpose is simple: the event is held to celebrate the entire Weston Ranch community and is a way for the high school to give back to families in the area.

The parade featured performances from Weston Ranch High School’s band, choir, and Folklorico groups, a dancing horse show, Zumba presentation, and approximately 20-25 themed floats – one for each Weston Ranch-area elementary school, student body class, and various sports and clubs.

Guests of Honor included Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, and MUSD Board President Marie Freitas. The parade’s Grand Marshals were MUSD Board Trustee Eric Duncan and Stockton City Councilmember Kimberly Warmsley.

Basepayne said  the event is truly “a team effort” that requires planning months in advance. This year, preparations began in August as he and Vasquez worked with the City of Stockton and its police department to obtain a permit to safely close the streets for the parade route and assign officers to be on site.

By the day of the parade, 25 law enforcement officers were stationed, ensuring the safety of both students and community members throughout the event. Basepayne also worked closed with the city planning department and the Stockton Police Department to ensure the neighborhoods would remain accessible to residents not participating the in parade.

While he spent eight hours preparing for the event the day of, in the end, it was all worth it for Basepayne.

“For me, the most meaningful part of the parade was driving behind Santa Claus, because I got to see all the smiling faces of the children and families that lined the streets for the event,” Basepayne said. “There was pure joy in the air – and that positivity and warmth is why I am proud to be a Cougar and represent Weston Ranch High School.”