Volunteers to March in Fiesta Bowl Parade
Along with brightly colored floats and sharply dressed marching bands, the Fiesta Bowl Parade on Saturday, Dec. 28, will feature 75 volunteers decked out in AARP’s signature red T-shirts.
Dan Martinez, AARP Arizona state president, said the group joined the parade to highlight the work of its volunteers and to encourage people to stay active. About 100,000 people are expected along the parade route.
Thousands more will watch on TV or via a livestream at azfamily.com. AARP marchers won’t be twirling batons or toting tubas, but they will hand out Passport to Fitness cards, which include discounts to local services, and fliers about how to join and volunteer with the organization.
Martinez, 74, of Gilbert, said marching in the parade was his daughter’s suggestion. “We went to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, and she asked if we did anything like that in Arizona. That gave us the idea.”
AARP Arizona’s 2019 Andrus Award winner for community service, Jay Lickus, 63, of Surprise, will get to ride in a new convertible. The marchers will carry a banner paying tribute to AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus.
The parade begins at 9 a.m. To volunteer, register at bit.ly/ 2VkH0yD. Call 866-389-5649 or email aarpaz@aarp.org to learn more. —James Garcia
