The Fourth of July Parade is coming up Monday and Councilwoman Laurene Weste is still looking for a few good women to walk.
She’ll take as many as she can get because the parade is saluting a monumental anniversary – the 100th anniversary of California women getting the right to vote, as well as the 91st anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed that right to women across the nation.
Weste has made this her personal quest and, along with Mayor Marsha McLean, will lead the contingent of women down Main Street, Lyons Avenue and Old Orchard Road on Monday.
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“This is the 100th anniversary of California women having the right to vote; we were part of the first six states to give women that right,” Weste explained. “In 1911, California women got the right to vote by one vote per precinct. This year, in Santa Clarita, we will be honoring that effort. The women who want to march will be part of the Grand Marshal entry in the parade.
An oversized flag, similar to those carried by suffragettes all over the country at the turn of the last century, has been purchased and will be part of a historic display in the Newhall Library commemorating the endeavor. The flag will be there, alongside the signatures of all the women who helped carry the banner in 2011, an effort that will be noted by our two Senators in Washington – who, coincidentally, happen to be women.
“If you want to be involved, can still sign up at rock@hometownstation.com and get on the list. We would love to have you be part of this,” she added.
Women interested in participating should meet at Hart Park at 7 a.m. Monday to sign waivers and the document that will accompany the parade flag when it is displayed next year.
“Many of us are walking in period clothing or costumes from the 1840s to the 1920s. We really want to see the women show their support for the women who gave so much to make a greater America and give us women the legacy and the right to vote.