So many memories were made here at the Camellia Festival and Parade as a kid in Temple City! I marched myself beginning when I was 7 as a Brownie, then as a Girl Scout, Drill Team member, a TC Brighter Side Singer, Miss Temple City Princess, and even a Theme Contest Winner in the year 2000!

The joy, excitement and positive energy generated by performing, marching, and waving to the community is truly indescribable. I found myself focusing (literally with my Canon camera) on the emotions these kids were experiencing that day as they marched their way up Las Tunas Blvd, so please enjoy some photos by me! :

From esteemed community members riding in classic cars, to talented Marching Bands performing in competition, to Youth Sports Teams proudly marching in their uniforms, this was a beautiful day for all to remember!

The Parade began at 10 am with a flyover by 5 classic planes. Several teams, musicians, dancers, float designers, baton twirlers, teachers, and community organizations traveled from near and far to get all dressed up and come on down the boulevard being cheered on and waved at by supportive, parents, friends, neighbors and fans!

Music filled the air as I stood near the competition zone to get everyone performing at their BEST! The nervous energy as the Drum Major would get all queued up on the line, brought me right back to those Drill Team days! The thrill of performing. The nervous butterflies. The overly forced posture and smiles... these are these kids "good ole days!"

I looked on as if I was a proud parent, capturing these moments purely for myself - and this blog of course! So enjoy the moments. And put yourself back when you were a kid. Whether you marched in a school band, performed in a musical production or even just marched in a Halloween Parade, these are the moments that we would always remember, and hopefully, these kids will too! 

Thanks for reading and go Temple City!

-Crystal Olguin

Feb. 25, 2018