Thank you for your recent coverage of the Oro Valley Holiday Parade. I feel that it is important that your readers know some of the back story that defines this event. First and foremost, the Oro Valley Parade Committee, Inc., is comprised of two members—Jackie Devery and Pat Jimenez—who volunteer countless hours to ensure that this piece of Americana successfully arrives in our town the second Saturday in December.
On the day of the parade, additional volunteers, many of whom have been part of this event since its original planning, are recruited to assist in the organization and production of the event. I would like to take a moment to publicly thank those volunteers:
Tom McNamara, Master of Ceremonies
The Barnett Family; Mia, John, Lauren, and Charlie
Michelle and Mark Branham
Kathleen and Julia Nicholson
The Wiles Family: Dave, Tanya, Megan, Nate, Cory and Jeremy
Maranda Robbins
Stan Winetrobe, photographer
Nick D’Andre. sound
Carol D’Andre, website
Dave Perry and Alex Demeroutis. Northern Pima County Chamber of Commerce
Lynn Sharp
Mike Devery
Brianna and Sarah Jimenez
Jane Gordon
Donna and Jayme Nozzi
Stacy Solberg
Also, a big thank you goes out to The Town of Oro Valley Police Department led by Chief Danny Sharp and Officer Mike Bott, who are the Special Operations Officer, as well as, Officer Kevin Mattocks and the Oro Valley Police Explorers. These two groups provide the peace of mind necessary to execute this event by organizing the infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all involved.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank each participant and resident who came out to support this wonderful event. It’s events like this that make me proud to be the Mayor. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Dr. Satish I. Hiremath, Oro Valley Mayor
