SOUTH COUNTY — King City honored the South County community’s Mexican heritage last Sunday at the annual El Grito Celebration, which opened with a parade along Broadway Street featuring a procession of horses, bands and dancers, much to the delight of hundreds of spectators.
Among this year’s parade participants were Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez, King City Mayor Mike LeBarre and 2019 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Rose Escobar as well as members of the King City Boxing Club and King City Club Herbalife.
The parade ended at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, where the fiesta celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day continued with the historic shout, or “El Grito,” live entertainment, a flea market, children’s activities and food and produce vendors.
The Sept. 15 event — presented by the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture — also recognized Tacos La Potranca De Jalisco owner Francisco Chavez, who received the Lifetime Community Champion Award, and King City High School senior Clarissa Rios, who earned the Rising Star Award. Both recipients have demonstrated Hispanic pride through their community service and leadership in the city.
