Les and Cynthia Haas, who were initial members of the Katy Independent School District FFA Livestock Show and Rodeo Committee, will be parade marshals of the annual rodeo parade on Saturday.

“They are a very big part of the rodeo,” said Gayle Williams, parade chairwoman.
The honorary parade marshal is Willie Deluna, who retired in December as custodian of Katy High School.

He helped out at the L.D. Robinson Pavilion, which is near Katy High School, during the annual rodeo and livestock show.

“He was there before he needed to be and stayed after his duties were done,” said Williams, who has been working with the parade for 22 years, the last six as parade chairwoman.

The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Rhodes Stadium. Williams said people register their floats and entries the day of the parade between 7:30 and 8 a.m. after entering the east side of Rhodes Stadium.

The judges’ stand will be set up near FM 1463 and Highway Boulevard. Judged are the following categories: antique car and equipment, commercial, youth general, school organizations, churches, adult general, Scouting organizations, overall cowboy/cowgirl, civic organizations and junior/senior marching groups.

Judges pick the best three in each category, Williams said. The first-place entries receive a plaque. The second- and third-place winners receive ribbons.

The theme is “Riding for the Brand.” Williams explained that the Katy ISD school district uses an A+ as part of the Katy name on its Web site and the goal is “try to be the best you can be.”

Williams expects the weather to be cooperative Saturday, which means that the procession will be as big as ever, she said. The parade route begins at Rhodes Stadium, goes south on Katyland and then west on Highway Boulevard to Katy High School.

Also, the Greater Katy Exchange Club will be handing out free flags, sponsored by DISH TV Katy and Precinct 3 Fort Bend County Commissioner Andy Meyers.

For information, visit http://www.katyrodeo.org/parade.asp.