Rudy Castillo and Catherine Remak Will Ride in Friday’s El Desfile Histórico
The 2024 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshals were announced during a gathering at the Santa Barbara Carriage and Western Art Museum. Long-time local radio personality Catherine Remak and 1976 Old Spanish Days El Presidente Rudy Castillo will each serve as a Parade Grand Marshal during the 100th Anniversary Fiesta.
Since Fiesta's first year, and the 1924 historic parade El Desfile Histórico, a Grand Marshal has been selected to lead the Friday afternoon crowd favorite event. From business leaders to politicians, from a Chumash Elder to a close friend, the Fiesta Parade Committee in collaboration with that year's El Presidente selects the Parade Grand Marshal, and this year there will be two.
This respected local pair join a long list of previous Grand Marshals, including Ms. Pearl Chase who was the 1973 Fiesta Parade Grand Marshal.
El Presidente 2024 Brian Schwabecher carried on tradition in announcing this year's Parade Grand Marshals and said "the selection of our Grand Marshal is an opportunity to honor individuals that have helped make our Fiestas what they are today".
Rudy Castillo presided over Fiesta in 1976 during this country's bi-centennial celebration. He has always valued community. During his La Primavera celebration in 1976 there were 1,000 attendees at Earl Warren Showgrounds. He was also the first El Presidente to have a hand in designing the annual Old Spanish Days poster. He gathered the four members of his executive committee, and each one contributed an idea toward the 1976 Fiesta poster. The tradition of El Presidente designing the Fiesta poster continues today.
"Rudy Castillo is our oldest and longest serving board member and Past Presidente," said El Presidente Schwabecher. "Rudy continues to support the board of directors and our celebration and was deeply moved by his recognition this year as one of our grand marshals, reflecting how much our festival and celebration means for him and his family."
Catherine Remak is no stranger to our local airwaves, hosting the morning show on K-LITE for more than 30 years. She has also championed several local non-profits as either a board member, emcee or auctioneer. A product of local schools, Ms. Remak has been a parade crowd announcer for many Fiesta parades.
"Catherine Remak is a well-known voice and volunteer leader that has helped numerous organizations with thousands of volunteer hours and millions of dollars raised -- she is one of our community's best," said El Presidente Schwabecher.
Fiesta 2024, the Centennial, runs July 31-August 4, with the historic parade scheduled along Cabrillo Boulevard on Friday, August 2 at 12 noon. Additional details at sbfiesta,org. ¡Viva el Centenario!
