Hundreds of students, parents, public officials and community members turned out for Saturday’s Crosstown Showdown Parade in downtown Ceres to herald the much awaited crosstown football game this Friday evening.

Tickets are limited and available to the general public p.m. by visiting www.ceres.k12.ca.us and clicking on Crosstown Showdown under “News.” The game is expected to sell out and there will be no ticket sales at the gate.

This year’s parade started at 11 a.m. and ended in Whitmore Park, traveling through blocks in the business district. The parade involved football players from Ceres High School and Central Valley High School and their cheerleaders, bands, color guards and dancers. Elected officials rode in the parade on an antique San Francisco trolley owned by Shane Parson.

The Ceres Lions Club provided free tacos and drinks for the crowd.

The Crosstown Showdown football game between Ceres’ two comprehensive high schools is a beloved annual tradition. Last year, the city of Ceres and the Ceres Unified School District partnered to hold a first-ever Crosstown Showdown Parade.

Central Valley High School Principal Casey Giovannoni said that despite the rivalry between the two schools, a spirit of community unity was apparent at the parade.

“It was a Ceres event – not a Ceres High School event, not a Central Valley event, but the city of Ceres really connecting and bonding,” he said.

At Monday’s Ceres City Council meeting, members good naturedly stood behind their teams. Vice Mayor Bret Silveira said the Ceres Bulldogs would “crush” Central Valley.

“Whoever is the most deserving team will come out on top and that is the one that puts in the most effort and puts in the most work and I know that Ceres High doesn’t want to lose the trophy and I know that Central Valley wants to get it back,” said Mayor Javier Lopez, who is favoring a Hawks’ win.

“I have to be in favor of Ceres,” said Councilman James Casey. “They won last year. I’m with Bret. They’ll probably win again this year. There’s no hard feelings but the Bulldogs will keep the trophy.”

Councilman Daniel Martinez said he also supports Ceres High Bulldogs and commented the Lopez may be the only one supporting CV.

“Free tissues will be available for the Hawks after the game,” jested Silveira.

Christopher Hoem, the city’s Community Development Director, said that next year “we’re looking at probably having this event in October due to the change in the scheduling for the football game between the two schools.”