Monterey Park Mayor Hans Liang, Mayor Pro Tem Peter Chan, Councilmembers Mitch Ing, Teresa Real Sebastian and Stephen Lam, City Clerk Vince Chang, Grand Marshal World War II veteran William Sanchez, Honorary Grand Marshal former Mayor Francisco Alonso, Garvey School Boardmember Janet Chin and Veterans Commissioner Antonio Chapa representing Supervision Hilda Solis’ office celebrated Monterey Park’s 99th Birthday.

City Clerk Chang welcomed everyone to the Play Days Parade, part of the City’s four-day celebration held on May 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th at Barnes Park. He thanked the Monterey Park Woman’s Club for providing refreshments. He also thanked the Recreation staff and volunteers for producing this event.

Mayor Liang introduced the guests that included William Sanchez, Francisco Alonso, Janet Chin, Antonio Chapa, Elba Bevey, Chewy Borya and Marcos Lopez: members of World Association of Ecuadorians Living Abroad, City Manager Paul Talbot, Police Chief Jim Smith, Fire Chief Scott Haberle and members of the Monterey Park Historical Society.

He welcomed everyone to Monterey Park’s 99th Anniversary and thanked to Woman’s Club, Bill Sanchez and Francisco Alonso for their service.

Mayor Pro Tem Chan also welcomed the audience and guests. We are 99-years-old. Next year, we will be 100-years-old. He thanked the staff for their support. He also thanked the Woman’s Club and Bill Sanchez for their participation.

Councilmember Ing welcomed the residents and guests to our 99th birthday. Next year we will be 100. He thanked Bill Sanchez for his military service and Francisco Alonso for his public service. He spoke about the local schools participation in “History in Motion”. The students from Brightwood, Monterey Park Highlands, Hillcrest, Repetto and Ynez schools will perform skits based on historical facts.  He thanked the parents and children for their participation. Enjoy the parade!

Councilmember Real Sebastian thanked everyone. She said she would walk the parade route to promote good health and exercise. She invited the public to join her. We look good for 99 years.  She led audience in singing of “Happy Birthday”!

Councilmember Lam thanked the audience for being here. The city looks good for being 99 years young. Next year is 100 years old. Happy Birthday! He thanked the staff.

Members of the Monterey Park Police Explorer Post 300 presented the colors at the beginning of the parade.

Members of the Northern Shaolin Lion and Dragon Dance Team danced to the beat of their drums.

Mayor Hans Liang and his wife, Lani Liang enjoyed riding in the parade. They waved to the crowd.

Mayor Pro Tem Peter Chan and his wife, Jenny Chan waved to the crowd from their car on the drive down Garvey Avenue.

Members of the Mark Keppel High School Band joined in the party. They are our hometown high school.

Councilmember Mitch Ing and his wife, Gloria Ing enjoyed the celebration. She is a life-long resident of Monterey Park.

Members of Cub Scout Pack 329 waved to family and friends as they participated in their hometown parade.

Councilmember Teresa Real Sebastian with her husband, Armen Sebastian and family friends walking in the Play Days Parade.

Members of the Kingsley Dance Academy performed for the audience. Their academy teaches several popular dances.

Councilmember Stephen Lam and his wife, Jenny Lam celebrated with the crowd on Garvey Avenue.

Student members of Project NEO shared the road with their mascot.

City Clerk Vince Chang, an avid bike rider, enjoyed his ride in the parade.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles entered the parade to the delight of the children.

Kitt, the famous talking car, navigated the road with ease.

Grand Marshal World War II veteran William Sanchez shared his honor with his sons. He waved our flag in celebration of living in a free country.

Members of American Legion Post 397, veterans who served our country, joined in the parade.

Honorary Grand Marshal former Mayor Francisco Alonso waved to the crowd.  He is a veteran of several Play Days Parades over the years.

C-Star Pleasure Riders shared their love of horses with the crowd.

Students of Brightwood School shared the history of the trains that traveled across the USA.

Police Chief Jim Smith and Fire Chief Scott Haberle enjoyed riding in the Play Days Parade.

Sparky, the firedog, rode on top of Ladder Truck 61, which danced down the road.

Edgar Cisneros and David Vela from the Montebello School District were joined by family members to celebrate Monterey Park’s birthday. Their school district serves the city.

Members of the World Association of Ecuadorians Living Abroad joined in the parade.

Members of Meher Montessori School shared their joy with the crowd as their participated in the parade.

Members of Ices Band from Montebello joined the party. It was their first time participating in the parade.

Members of US Kung Fu Center shared their martial arts with the crowd.

Students from Repetto School reminded everyone of the influential women in history.

Members of Rancho Jalisco danced their horses down the street to the beat of their band.

Students of Hillcrest School gave the audience a history lesson on greatest leaders of ancient Egypt, ancient Greece and ancient Rome.

Students from Monterey Highlands shared their view of activism with the public. They learned that every one has an opinion and their have the right to share their ideas in public.

Students from Ynez School provided the scene of the signing of the Declaration of Independence complete with powered wigs.

Excited members of the Monterey Park Sports Club marched down the parade route waving to family and friends.

The parade included marching bands, drill teams, cheerleaders, service clubs and more.

The Play Days parade can be viewed on MPK television.

The four-day celebration also included carnival rides, games, information booths and food booths.

Councilmember Mitch Ing introduced the “History in Motion” judges Julia Villagran and Susanna Neerete. They awarded $500 to Hillcrest School for first place, $250 to Repetto School for second place and $150 to Ynez School for third place.  Councilmember Ing said all five of the participation schools would each receive $100 to cover the costs of their art supplies.  He hopes to have more schools participate in “History in Motion” for our 100th birthday party.

Mayor Liang, Mayor Pro Tem Chan, Councilmember Lam and City Clerk Chang welcomed everyone to Monterey Park’s 99th birthday.  They were ready to present the awards to all of the winners that stayed for this ceremony.

Monterey Park Police Explorers won an award participating as the color guard.

Repetto School won the Mayors Award.

Mark Keppel High School won several awards for their performances in the parade.

Dana Middle School won the Drill Team Sweepstakes and the Musical Sweepstakes as well as many other awards for their performances in the parade.

Ices Band won an award for their junior youth band performance.

Some of the other local winners included Monterey Park Sports Club, American Legion Post 397, US Kung Fu and Northern Shaolin Lions and Dragon Dancers.  Hillcrest Elementary School, Meher Montessori School and Monterey Highlands Elementary won awards for their marching units.

Sparky, the firedog and McGruff joined in the celebration.

Monterey Park residents and their guests enjoyed the party.