Homecoming parade struts through Orland

The streets of downtown Orland were crowded with onlookers Friday afternoon as the annual Orland High Homecoming Parade moved down the avenues.

It started on Third Street near the high school and moved down Shasta Street to Fourth Street wending its way through the business district. From there, the 3 p.m. event moved left on Yolo, then back up Third Street to the high school.

Vintage cars, fancy Mustang convertibles, the OHS marching band and floats from the four classes all entered the parade along with fire trucks from the Orland Fire Department.

Cheerleaders threw candy to youngsters on the sidewalks, and people cheered and blew their horns as the parade passed.

Orland High hosts its Homecoming football game today starting at 10 for the freshmen team on the new OHS field. The junior varsity game begins at noon and the varsity game starts at 2 p.m. against opponents Wheatland High School near Marysville.

The Homecoming dance was held Friday night, and the senior King and Queen were crowned that evening. Their identities were not available Friday afternoon at post time.

Orland High leadership teacher, Tibi Marinescu, and teacher/activities director Maria Gonzalez organized this year’s parade that included floats from all four classes.

Marinescu said this is his first year in this role, and he expressed excitement before the parade started.

Students cheered and shouted words of encouragement to the Homecoming royals who rode in convertibles during the parade. Others ran to get on floats as they stopped briefly at stop signs and intersections.

The parade was over quickly, but the business people, parents and students seemed to enjoy it – judging from the shouts and clapping that occurred.

Soda Shop manager Eric McClintock watched the parade from outside his business on Fourth Street.

“It’s loud,” he said, as fire engines blared their horns and sirens. “It is pretty cool. Some of the classes are pretty excited.”

However, McClintock said he did not know if he could make today’s games. “I might have to work,” he said.

But there is a good chance some of the teens will show up at his shop after the big game and fill him in on the scores.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.