The El Desfile Historico Fiesta parade in Santa Barbara will have two Grand Marshals
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - For the 100th anniversary, the El Desfile Historico will have two Grand Marshals.
1976 El Presidente Rudy Castillo and radio host and community non-profit leader Catherine Remak will be in the honored seats for the parade on Aug. 2.
Castillo, the oldest living past El Presidente, has always felt Old Spanish Days was, "the best. I think it is the best thing that could happen to Santa Barbara."
Remak has consistently brought Old Spanish Days spirits, dignitaries, and historians on her radio show at K-LITE.
She says, "I love, the theme of just getting people out and celebrating, and I think we need that sense of unity right now."
The two grand marshals are an enthusiastic pair for Fiesta, the city's largest and most historic event.
El Presidente Brian Schwabecher said, "To have the two of them representing the diversity and inclusiveness of this organization and this festival this year, very excited."
The Grand Marshals will be in a special carriage at the Fiesta Parade on Aug. 2, where thousands of people will cheer them on the Cabrillo Boulevard parade route.
"They love Fiesta and they love the parade," said Schwabecher.
They have deep memories from their years as participants, supporters or announcers with Old Spanish Days.
"My first memory of La Fiesta Pequeña was as a three-year-old perched on my father's shoulders. He was 6-foot-4 so I had a great view," she said.
Schwabecher said they are, "two locals who understand the importance of this celebration to the entire community. I think that is a really important aspect of this, particularly the 100th anniversary."
"I can't say enough for all the people that I have met, talked to enjoyed, it's unbelievable," said Castillo. "What a journey."
For more information go to: Old Spanish Days
Here is the full press release from Old Spanish Days (David Bolton):
2024 FIESTA PARADE GRAND MARSHALS SELECTED
Rudy Castillo and Catherine Remak Will Ride in Friday’s El Desfile Histórico
The 2024 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshals were announced during a gathering at the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum. Long-time local radio personality Catherine Remak and 1976 Old Spanish Days El Presidente Rudy Castillo will each serve as a Parade Grand Marshal during the 100th Anniversary Fiesta.
Since Fiesta's first year, and the 1924 historic parade El Desfile Histórico, a Grand Marshal has been selected to lead the Friday afternoon crowd favorite event. From business leaders to politicians, from a Chumash Elder to a close friend, the Fiesta Parade Committee in collaboration with that year's El Presidente selects the Parade Grand Marshal, and this year there will be two.
This respected local pair join a long list of previous Grand Marshals, including Ms. Pearl Chase who was the 1973 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshal.
El Presidente 2024 Brian Schwabecher carried on tradition in announcing this year's Parade Grand Marshals and said "the selection of our Grand Marshal is an opportunity to honor individuals that have helped make our Fiestas what they are today".
Rudy Castillo presided over Fiesta in 1976 during this country's bi-centennial celebration. He has always valued community. During his La Primavera celebration in 1976 there were 1,000 attendees at Earl Warren Showgrounds. He was also the first El Presidente to have a hand in designing the annual Old Spanish Days poster. He gathered the four members of his executive committee, and each one contributed an idea toward the 1976 Fiesta poster. The tradition of El Presidente designing the Fiesta poster continues today.
"Rudy Castillo is our oldest and longest serving board member and Past Presidente," said El Presidente Schwabecher. "Rudy continues to support the board of directors and our celebration and was deeply moved by his recognition this year as one of our grand marshals, reflecting how much our festival and celebration means for him and his family."
Catherine Remak is no stranger to our local airwaves, hosting the morning show on K-LITE for more than 30 years. She has also championed several local non-profits as either a board member, emcee or auctioneer. A product of local schools, Ms. Remak has been a parade crowd announcer for many Fiesta parades.
"Catherine Remak is a well-known voice and volunteer leader that has helped numerous organizations with thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars raised -- she is one of our community's best," said El Presidente Schwabecher.
Fiesta 2024, the Centennial, runs July 31-August 4, with the historic parade scheduled along Cabrillo Boulevard on Friday, August 2 at 12 noon. Additional details at sbfiesta,org. ¡Viva el Centenario!
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