Sign-up deadline soon for Head Start parade

The deadline is quickly approaching for those who want to participate in the St. Mary 23rd Annual Krewe of Head Start parade at 1 p.m. Feb. 18 in Franklin. Entries are due Feb. 3.

For more information about the parade, contact David Teno or Jeffery Beverly at 337-828-5703.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating 50 Years of Covering Children and Families with Quality Service.”

“We’re looking forward to a wonderful and a great parade this year,” said St. Mary Community Action CEO Almetra Franklin. “It’s going to be our 50th year and we’re celebrating.

“And naturally, the staff is overexcited this year that we’ve been in business 50 years, providing services to the community.”

The parade is a recruitment tool for next school year’s enrollees.

“And this year is going to be unique. Not only are we going to be recruiting for Head Start but it’s a recruitment for the entire childcare network centers, which include Pre-K, the charter school, and Yamahana.

“So, it’s going to be a combined recruitment for us.”

Parade entry forms can be picked up at the St. Mary Community Action Agency Central Office in Franklin. A driver’s license and proof of insurance must be provided by the person completing the form.

Entry forms must be returned no later than 3 p.m. on the deadline day.

Fees for participants are:

—Floats and flatbeds, $35.

—Trucks and cars, $25.

—Dance and drill teams, $10.

—Motorcycles and 4-wheelers, $10.

—Walkers, $5.

The parade lineup begins at 11 a.m. at the Franklin High School parking lot. The route is approximately two miles.

The line-up will leave from Cynthia Street, turn onto Main Street and proceed to downtown Franklin, then turn onto Willow Street and turn right onto Third Street, where it will end.

While the parade is also a time of fun and excitement showcasing the Krewe of Head Start’s king and queen, parent supervision is advised for children attending the parade.

“We don’t want any children running around without any adults with them because of safety reasons,” Franklin said.

“But most importantly, the parade is an opportunity for the people to see our little kings and queens. And the parents look forward to that.”

The recruitment parade began in the early 1990s as a major recruitment tool for Head Start’s pre-school children aged three to five. It also allows the agency to market other services available to Head Start families and individuals.