2020 BUCKBOARD DAYS PARADE GOES VIRTUAL
Animated Event Video Focuses on Value of Community and Local History
October 8, 2020– In lieu of the Covid-19 related cancellation of the 48th annual Buckboard Days Parade, Rowland Water District is proud to present a fun, engaging video celebrating Rowland Heights pride. The video will launch live at www.buckboarddaysparade.org on Saturday, October 17th at 9am, the originally scheduled event date. The video features a young girl named Rae, who rides on her horse Ringo into Rowland Heights for the first time. When she arrives, two young locals are eager to teach her about the unique qualities that exemplify the quality of life in Rowland Heights.
“While this year’s format may not follow tradition, we are confident the virtual event will help us achieve the same goal of bringing together our entire community to share in the excitement of Buckboard Days,” says Parade Committee and Board Member and Rowland Water District’s Public Affairs Representative Brittnie Van De Car. “There is a certain nostalgia and devotion associated with this event, which has been made possible throughout the years thanks to the continued commitment of our generous, loyal sponsors, including Rowland Water District.”
Buckboard Days began in 1970 as a three-day festival fundraiser for the Rowland Heights Junior Women’s Club and Rowland Heights Woman’s Clubs Federated. Since then, the name Buckboard Days has remained a tribute to the progress that has taken place since the first settlers arrived in the area now known as Rowland Heights.
The event video was produced by CV Strategies, a Southern California based community engagement firm and features teenage voice talent including 13-year-old Sydney Kaiman, 14-year-old Morgan Renear and 16-year-old Colin Gilhuly. CV Strategies’ Chief Illustrator Marcos DeHaro created the animation bringing the kids of Rowland Heights to life.
“The entire committee is thrilled to offer this video to the thousands of previous parade-goers and residents who want to celebrate Rowland Heights,” added Van De Car. “This project illustrates how our unique community can unite, especially in light of the difficult times we are all facing.”
In the past, the event has included a pancake breakfast, followed by the parade down Nogales Street and Colima Road, a festival, and an awards ceremony at Rowland Heights Park. Community youth groups, civic organizations and Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation have been instrumental in making the event a success over the years, and long-time area residents have traditionally been honored and invited to participate.
The 2021 Parade and Festival is scheduled for the third Saturday of October next year.
For more information on Buckboard Days, visit www.buckboarddaysparade.org. Rowland Water District information can be found at www.rwd.org.
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