Lakeside is set to host two major events: the 60th Annual Western Days Parade on Saturday, April 26 and the 61st Annual Rodeo, taking place from April 24 to April 27. These events highlight the community’s spirit, honoring local heroes and celebrating traditional rodeo competitions.
The Western Days Parade, a beloved tradition in Lakeside, will begin at 9:35 a.m. on April 26. This year’s theme, “Hometown Heroes,” recognizes influential community members who have made a lasting impact. The parade will begin at the intersection of Woodside Avenue and Winter Gardens Blvd. and continue east on Woodside Avenue making a left on Maine Street to Lakeshore Drive. Roads along the route will be closed from approximately 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. due to the event.
The parade will feature the recognition of this year’s Grand Marshals, Sahil Alami and John Curo, who will be honored for their life-saving actions during basketball practice at El Capitan High School. Curo, the assistant coach, performed CPR and administered chest compressions to a student who collapsed from cardiac arrest while Alami, the head coach, called 911. The quick thinking and actions of the duo saved the student’s life.
Additionally, the parade will celebrate Steve Menefee, Chairman of the Board who has shown a commitment to the community for years; Nina Drammissi, the 2024 Citizen of the Year for her work as Principal of Lindo Lake Elementary, Vice Principal of Lakeside Middle School and President of the Lakeside Kiwanis Club; Barbara Sigsworth, recipient of the 2024 Rick Smith Award, recognized for her leadership as Scoutmaster of Troop 45.
The 61st Annual Lakeside Rodeo will run from April 24 to April 27 at the Lakeside Rodeo Arena and Facility. The rodeo supports over 6,000 Lakeside students, particularly focusing on youth sports, education and cultural initiatives for low-income families and students with disabilities.
Tickets for the rodeo are only available online at www.lakesiderodeo.com.
