October 23, 2025 — The streets of Old Town Clovis recently buzzed with high energy for the Weldon Warrior Red Ribbon Week Parade, an annual event that stands as the largest community event hosted by Weldon Elementary School. Coordinator Letty Lewis, GIS at Weldon, emphasized that the parade, a tradition spanning over two decades, is vital for delivering a drug-free message to children and actively involving the Clovis community.
This year’s event saw a record number of participants, a result of months of planning that Lewis begins up to a year in advance. The parade involved the entire Weldon Elementary student body of about 560 students, who either walked in or viewed the festivities. Expanding its reach across Clovis Unified, the parade featured the Clark Intermediate and Clovis High bands and leadership groups, as well as various Clovis High dance teams, including Hmong, Indian club, and folklorico dancers. The commitment to community support was clear, with first responders bringing a helicopter, vehicle, and ambulance for students to visit. Key partners like EECU and the San Joaquin Valley College of Law also participated, reflecting the school’s dedication to collaborative education and community ties. Lewis noted the goal is to continue expanding participation, with plans to include Clovis High and Clark cheer groups next year.
Despite early morning drizzle, the high-energy atmosphere was undeterred. Lewis recounted monitoring the weather but choosing not to let it stop the event, noting the sprinkles actually felt “refreshing” compared to the intense heat of previous years. The joy was visible on the faces of all involved; families smiled as they watched their children, and the students themselves had “huge smiles.” Lewis underscored that this is the school’s biggest event of the year, providing a major opportunity for parent and community involvement, which is also fostered through activities like their jog-a-thon and upcoming trunk-or-treat.
Lewis encourages everyone in the area to attend, proudly stating that Weldon is the only elementary school in the entire Central Valley to host its own parade. She describes the event as a “once in a lifetime experience” that generates lasting enthusiasm. Participants and viewers “feel the energy when they leave,” and everyone looks forward to returning the following year, cementing the Weldon Warrior Red Ribbon Week Parade as a powerful and unique fixture in the Clovis community calendar.