Volunteers and community organizations in Piru have been busy preparing the town and surroundings to show their support and honor those that have and continue to serve America in our Armed Forces. This year’s celebration is a tribute and recognition of our country’s men and women who so bravely serve our country with the theme “Merry Christmas to Our Soldiers”. This 32nd annual event is set for Saturday, December 12th in the heart of the historic downtown district, with the parade set to launch at noon and followed by a day-long celebration.

This celebration will literally cover bases from A-Z, or Army to Zavala, as the locals are set to celebrate the season and pay tribute to Piru residents, past and present, that have and continue to serve in various branches of our military. The volunteer committee, working in partnership with the event organizing local Piru Neighborhood Council, has been set on dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s to make this another successful and memorable celebration of the town and its contributions.

The parade begins at the west of Center Street near the Piru Elementary School, itself a major institution and rich in history on its own. The parade will then proceed down Center Street to the heart of the downtown business district. This area is known for its longtime use as a focal point for film and television productions over the years. The route then takes a left onto Orchard Street and terminates at Warring Park, home to “One River Stadium”.

So far, nearly 70 current or former Piru residents have been identified as having served in literally all branches of the military. Further emphasizing the commitment to serve, these men and women represent the period dating from World War II to current conflicts in the Middle East and all points in between.

It is projected that about 30 of these valiant individuals will be riding in the parade and be hosted in the all day festival. Riding aboard vintage military vehicles, provided by both local and regional historic vehicle enthusiasts, they will be saluted and recognized for their valued service.

One project leading up to this much-anticipated celebration was adorning the town’s district in holiday decorations near the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park, the site of the all-day festival. This includes setting up 15 potted holiday trees donated for this holiday season by Moon Valley Nurseries and “adopted” for decoration by local businesses and organizations. This includes U Scream Ice Cream, Poncho’s Place Restaurant, Elva’s Center Street Market, Sanchez and Piru Markets, along with others. Some local groups that have jumped into action include Piru-Fillmore Relay for Life, San Salvador Mission, Making A Difference (MAD) Youth and Fillmore-Piru Citrus Association.

The festival will include DJ music by Chuck Castro and live music by Mariachi Jalisco and headliner group Dan Torres and the Piru River Band. Activities are planned for all ages and include the popular horseshoe tournament, a bike rodeo and jolly jumpers for kids. The adults have a range of options from local food and crafts to sitting down for bingo to support local causes, including Relay for Life and Piru Seniors and Active Adults League, which serves the Piru community in partnership with San Salvador Mission.