The Crosstown Showdown Parade was created in 2022 to generate additional excitement for the Ceres High-Central Valley varsity and junior-varsity football games.

Hundreds of students, parents, public officials and community members are expected to turn out for this year’s event, which will be staged at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.

“It’s cool to see the community come out and support both programs,” said Central Valley football head coach Derrick Goblirsch. “The atmosphere at the parade is very positive. Most of the kids know each other.”

“It’s really cool for a smaller town like ours to create an event to unify the community,” commented Ceres High football leader Brett Johnson. “The kids enjoy walking the parade and being part of something like that.”

The 2024 Crosstown Showdown Parade will start and end at Third Street next to Whitmore Park in downtown Ceres.

Parts of Magnolia, Lawrence, Third and Fourth streets will be closed to traffic.

Spectators are asked to bring lawn chairs and consider carpooling.

Limited parking will be available at the Ceres Unified School District Office, 2503 Lawrence Street.

Free tacos and water will also be provided.

“It’s a special thing to have the mayor, community and both schools come together to celebrate the game,” said Bulldogs’ third-year varsity football lineman Elias Carrera. “Being able to walk around and see everybody who came to support us is a surreal feeling.”

Aiden Prudhel, a third-year varsity lineman with the Hawks said the event is a great way “for both schools and the community. It’s brought another level of excitement to the game.”

The Crosstown Showdown Parade involves football players, cheerleaders, bands, color guards and dancers from both high schools. Elected officials rode in the parade last year on an antique San Francisco trolley owned by Shane Parson.

“Everyone is invested in making sure it’s a special event for the kids,” said Ceres Mayor Javier Lopez. “It’s about celebrating them and their hard work.”

“It’s a really positive thing for the community,” Goblirsch said. “Players from both sides are celebrated.”

“I’m excited to be a part of it again,” Carrera added.

The city of Ceres created the Crosstown Showdown Parade with input from CUSD three years ago.

“This is something we felt would be great for the community,” Lopez said. “As a group, we were able to pull it off. It’s going to get bigger and better.”

“The last two years went well,” Carrera said. “I think there will be a bigger turnout this year.”

“It’’s a special feeling getting recognized for the work we’ve put in,” Prudhel said.

Central Valley’s and Ceres High’s varsity football teams battled in front of more than 3,000 fans for the second year in a row last season.

The Hawks pulled away for a 34-8 win over the Bulldogs at CUSD Stadium.

Five extra sets of bleachers were brought in to increase the stadium’s capacity.

Fans were also allowed to watch the game from additional standing-room-only approved areas. 

A sell-out crowd is expected to attend this year’s crosstown football games.

The Bulldogs and Hawks will play on Nov. 1 at Ceres High’s revamped stadium.

Upgrades included installing an AstroTurf Field, a Beynon all-weather track, a Daktronics scoreboard and air conditioning in the snack bar and team rooms.

The CHS Stadium Track and Field Project cost $6.7 million as CUSD used funding from its Local Control and Accountability Plan Reserve to pay for the project.

Varsity and junior-varsity games will get underway at 7 p.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.

“It’s a friendly rivalry off the field,” said Prudhel. “Most of the guys have known each other for years. On the field, it’s another level of intensity. It feels like a big-time playoff game.”

“We’re definitely friendly during the parade,” added Carrera. “It’s a lot different during the game.”“The atmosphere at the game the last two years has been pretty special,” Goblirsch stated. “I’ve never seen that many people.”

Only approximately 2,500 tickets will be available for purchase on GoFan beginning on Wednesday, Oct 30.  A maximum of four tickets will be imposed per purchase.

Paper tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Doghouse and Hawk’s Nest beginning Oct. 28. A maximum of 200 tickets will be available at each site.

“We’re representing our town,” said Johnson. “Some wear green. Some wear red. When the game is over, we’re still Ceres people.”

“I’m really hoping everybody has a great time and may the best team win,” proclaimed Lopez.