Parade kicks off events for Cal-Cam fair
Published 8:20 am Monday, October 13, 2014
The 91st annual Cal-Cam Fair Parade rolled out Sunday in Sulphur — complete with bands, floats and pageant queens.
The route traveled down Willow and headed east on Cypress. For the first time in 65 years, the Cal-Cam Fair will be held in an alternate location than the Lewis Street Fair Grounds. The parade marked the beginning of the annual event.
Juanita Favre, a Sulphur resident, was staked out on Cypress Street before the parade, patiently waiting for her great-granddaughter who was dancing in the parade.
“I’m excited to see her, and I’m very proud of her,” Favre said.
Nine-year-old Justin Bonilla said he was excited to “catch some candy.”
“My sister is also in the parade and she is doing color guard. I will be looking for her,” said Bonilla, who attended the parade with friends and family.
Hannah Davis, 12, said she loves the Cal-Cam parade because she gets to catch prizes and spend time with friends.
“I love to see all the people on the floats,” Davis said.
The change to the West Cal Arena and Events Center is the first step in the Cal-Cam Fair Association Board’s plan to bring back the tradition associated with Cal-Cam Fairs in the past.
Sulphur Mayor Chris Duncan dubbed this year’s Cal-Cam fair “a new generation” after 91 years of the event being held in Sulphur.
“The changes will create a new atmosphere,” Duncan said before the parade. “It’s great weather, and we’re looking forward to a great turnout.”
Cal-Cam Fair Association Board President Wilridge Doucet has been on the board for 40 years and said he just wants the fair to be successful.
“This fair means a lot to me,” Doucet said. “It has become a staple in the community because it has been here so long.”
From Wednesday, Oct. 15, to Sunday, Oct. 19, the Cal-Cam Fair and Livestock Show begins at the West Cal Arena and Events Center.
Parking is free to the public. Admission is $5 for ages 10 and over. Ride bracelets are $20, except 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, when bracelets will be discounted to $15 for Children’s Day.
Kirk Meche
