Commission Recognizes Liberty Float Decorators

By: James C Baker

Community Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

James C Baker

Photo Description:

Those that participated in the creation of the Liberty Float were recognized by the Commission. From left: (Standing) Commissioner Suifar Osmani, Commissioner Jonneshia Bright, Diane Thompson, Recreation Program Coordinator Rudy Rodriguez, Commissioner Virgil Chancy, Commissioner Chairman James C. Baker II, Commissioner Juanita Barnes; kneeling, Parks Dept Manager Mel Alonzo, brothers Hunter and Jordan Short, and Vice Chair Commissioner Bill Alvarez.
On Sept. 11, the Moreno Valley Parks & Recreation Commission recognized the helpers and decorators of this year's Sweepstakes Award Winner, The Liberty Float. Being the largest float ever entered in the parade at over 45 feet, a lot of people came by to help get the float finished in time. Commissioner James Baker II, who chairs the commission and who created and designed the float, said it was a conservative effort to get the float built on time. Staff from the Parks Dept., with the help of volunteers, rolled up their sleeves, and got the job done in record time. A special thanks to Big Tex Trailers, Supreme Truck Bodies, and Macy's department store who found an old mannequin to donate. You should have seen the looks I got when I walked into Macy's and asked for a mannequin Baker said. I really had to do some fast explaining that it was for the Statue of Liberty Float. A special thanks goes out to Commissioner Bill Alvarez who constructed the framework. "This year's float was the prototype, wait until next year," Baker said.