In keeping with the parade's Carnivale theme, the band's rendition of "A Closer Walk With Thee," along with a New Orleans Mardis Gras style performance, earned them its 19th award as Most Outstanding Unit in the 69-year-old parade.
Jennifer Reyes Cronan, left, Class of 1979, her husband Michael Cronan, Class of 1977, and their daughter Samantha, 5, pose with Pittsburg High mascot PHS Petey the Pirate during the Walnut Festival Parade. Playing the role of King Walnut in the Pirates' parade entry was Brandon Mathews, PHS Class of 2004.
The 126-piece marching show band sported 80 brand new uniforms this year, courtesy of the generous grant awarded in 2005 from Keller Canyon Mitigation Funds. Fund committee member District 5 Supervisor Federal D. Glover also appeared in this year's parade, representing the East County communities he serves.
PHS Band Boosters took home top honors in the Float category as well, winning first place and carrying band alumni members Caroline Orozco, class of '68; Michael Cronan, class of '77; Jen (Reyes) Cronan, class of '79; Delia Orozco, class of '80; and Robert Gonzales, class of '04. The float was designed by alumnus Erick Wong, class of '84, and built by current Booster members.
This weekend, the band will be part of the Columbus Day Parade in San Francisco, where it has also won Most Entertaining awards the last two years. If you want to go, said Band Booster Chris Sears, the event starts at noon, and Washington Square is the place to be.
- Contributed by Chris Sears
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