Page 4 - Mid Valley Times 9-24-20 E-edition

Thursday, September 24, 2020 | A4 | Mid Valley TiMes Editorial & Opinions
Serving the Readers of the Reedley Exponent, Dimuba Sentinel and Sanger Herald.
A Mid Valley Publishing Newspaper
Founded March 26, 1891, in a two-story building on the corner of 11th and F streets, by A.S. Jones
Fred Hall — Publisher
Reedley puts on an active, innovative effort to have a 2020 Fiesta for community
This year's COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shelter in place and state re- strictions have done away with many of the traditional events we enjoy in this region of the San Joaquin Valley — at least for 2020. But one notable one in Reedley will proceed on schedule — the 55th annual Reedley Fiesta and parade.
That's not to say it will be the usual
Fiesta the thousands of residents and
visitors come to know and love. Not by a long shot. But there are quite a few clever tweaks to popular at- tractions in the event that will make it well worth sup- porting. Credit for this goes to the Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce and the many service clubs that have longtime been involved with the Fiesta.
The biggest attraction — the Fiesta parade — will have an overhauled format. It's us, the spectators, who will be parading along G Street downtown to observe the entrants, displays, grand marshal and Fiesta King and Queen in what's being billed as a "reverse parade." The public will drive into the start of the parade route downtown from Frankwood Avenue. You'll travel south- west on North Avenue, take a left turn onto G Street and follow the procession that begins at 10 a.m. on Sat- urday, Oct. 10.
Also planned that day is a food booth drive-thru that will feature all the perennial favorite foods. Honored at the reverse parade are the grand marshal (Sister Lucy Cassarino of St. La Salle Catholic School) and King and Queen (Tino and Alma Alvarez, Reedley business own- ers and community supporters for more than 40 years).
Many of the attractions have gone virtual. A normal early Saturday morning staple, the Mechanic's Bank Fiesta Walk/Run, is taking signups through this Sunday, Sept. 27, and participants can run or walk anytime be- tween Oct. 10 and Oct. 31 and simply submit your time. Call (559) 637-4203 for information or register online at Reedley.com.
The popular Fiesta Frog Jump competition, normal- ly held on Saturday, will move up a day and be broad- cast online at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9. Another online broadcast will be the crowning of Tino and Alma Al- varez as Fiesta King and Queen; that will take place at 5:45 p.m. Since COVID is the cause to cancel food and craft booths in Pioneer Park, there will be drive-thru food booths at locations to be announced.
Even the popular Fiesta Diaper Derby will have a new date on Thursday, Oct. 8. To enter a baby into the event, call (559) 637-4203 or register online at Reedley. com.
Erik Valencia, the chamber's chief executive officer, said in a news release that organization is intent on providing a safe and innovative package for the public to enjoy. "We genuinely believe there is no place like Reedley and the uniqueness of this modified event is certain to catch the attention of the Central Valley."
Valencia said that entries for the Fiesta Reverse Parade are being accepted through Friday, Oct. 2. Ap- plications must be received by that date to participate. "The Fiesta Committee looks forward to seeing your creativity and we appreciate your participation which keeps this long-standing community tradition alive." For more information or to print out an application form, visit online at reedleychamber.com.
•••
There finally appears to be some encouraging num-
bers of reduced active COVID-19 cases and hospitaliza- tions. Continue to wear a mask in close encounters with one another, especially indoors, practice safe distanc- ing when possible and take care to remain in the peak of health.
The harvest, pageantry of life, and Hope
Rick Curiel — Sanger Editor Jon Earnest — Reedley Editor Dick Sheppard — Editor Emeritus
Jon Earnest
Hope is the inspiration behind Natalie’s platform of Down syndrome awareness. Before being crowned on Sat- urday night, Natalie called Hope her inspiration.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing the Gonzalez fam- ily for several years through church. And I can testify to this; you cannot have a conver- sation with Hope without being lifted up to a smile, no matter how your day is going.
This year’s Miss Dinuba said it was Hope who showed her the true meaning of un- conditional love. In these un- certain times, seemingly filled with more hate and division, it seems unconditional love is something we could all use. And in all that this year’s Miss Dinuba has to offer, perhaps the greatest of all is the mes- sage of Hope.
Hope, let it be our harvest this year.
Rick Curiel is Sanger editor for The Times.
With the fall comes the har- vest.
Is it any wonder why people have traditionally celebrated during the harvest? After all, there is so much to celebrate, especially in years of abun- dance.
Yet, for the first time in decades, perhaps more than a century, there will be no cel- ebrations this harvest season in the parts I know well. This weekend, there will be no Rai- sin Day Festival and no tradi- tional Reedley Fiesta (a drive- thru parade is scheduled). It’s hard to think of this time of year without festivals. They ring in the holiday season and bring to life a people longing to celebrate it.
Rightfully so, this time of year, there is usually much pomp and circumstance.
But all is not lost. After hav- ing the pleasure of being one of just 50 invited guests to this year’s Miss Dinuba Pageant, I realized that the pageantry of the season is alive in our youth.
Like the times, the event had many challenges along the way. Even finding a suitable venue became a challenge to the very end. But the Hen- derson family of Dinuba was gracious enough to offer their country home for what turned out to be a beautiful evening.
The pageant was much smaller in scale, more inti- mate than the grand halls of Hellbaum Auditorium. Even the sunset made a special ap- pearance. But it really was the contestants who shined the brightest that evening.
In these gloomy days we often look for bright moments, and as the days go by and the nights grow longer, we will long for those brighter mo- ments.
Those moments are often found in the promise and for- titude of our youth. Saturday night’s 105th Miss Dinuba Pageant was a bright remind- er that the future is in good hands. The eight candidates in this year’s pageant were coura- geous enough to walk through the fire in order to keep tradi- tion alive, in order to keep the pageantry of life moving.
This year’s Miss Dinuba, Natalie Gonzalez, is truly an in- spiration to all youth and to all generations. As the first Triple Crown winner in Dinuba’s pag- eantry history, she truly has a promising future. As a senior at Dinuba High, she currently holds a GPA of 4.67 and chanc- es are we will one day be call- ing her Dr. Gonzalez.
Her accomplishments are lengthy, but her character is what shines through the most.
She would cred- it that to one tremendous factor in her life – her sister Hope who was born with Down syndrome.
Rick Curiel
Vote to keep America great and a Godly nation
When is Joe Biden going to criticize the anarchists, thugs, and agitators who are destroy- ing our country? He promises, if he is elected president, all this will stop. Big command- ing words from a person who has spent the past two months hiding in his radical basement. He talks, but no action.
Biden’s cognizant abilities appears to be failing him. He says words that are out of or- der with no realistic meaning. Biden has been in politics, for over 40 years. Can he name four outstanding achieve- ments, that he gave America
during his 40 years in Con- gress? Make it just one, if it’s easier for him to remember. None that I found.
We need a leader, that has the ability to lead, instruct, encourage and believe that America is one nation under God. Proudly tell the people that with proper education and God’s help and prayers — ev- ery person living here, in this great country, can succeed. Our Constitution and bill of rights gives us the opportuni- ties to be all that we can be, if we work on these desires.
Keep in mind, sometimes you might not like what Presi- dent Trump says or tweets — but he trying to keep his prom-
ise, in keeping America great again. President Trump and many Americans, believes that America is great because she is good. If we stop believing that America is good, Ameri- ca will no longer be great and possibly, fall by the wayside. Just remember: socialism, and the loss of our freedom and re- ligious rights, could actually become the norm under Biden. Will you, the voter, join us in keeping America great and a Godly nation?
“Con Dios y la fe.” In Eng- lish it means, “With God and
Letters from readers
faith.”
Manuel Madrid Reedley
Jon Earnest is Reedley editor for The Times.
Letters Policy
MID VALLEY TIMES invites letters from the public on any topic of local relevance. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity or brevity, and we reserve the right to NOT publish them if they could be deemed libelous or profane. Letters should
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QUOTE
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— Daniel Webster (1782-1852)
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