Teen Who Sailed Around the World
By Monrovia Weekly
Published: Thursday, August 27th, 2009
©2009 GizaraArts.Com
Although he sailed solo around the world – the youngest person to ever accomplish that daunting feat Zac Sunderland, the 17 year-old adventurer, never traveled Route 66. But he will on Saturday, Sept. 19, when Sunderland leads Duarte’s 14th annual Salute to Route 66 Parade as the Grand Marshal.
“We’re very excited about having Zac Sunderland as our Grand Marshal. We think the crowd is going to love seeing and meeting this amazing and courageous young man,” said parade director K.C. Caracci.
Sunderland was 16 when he set sail from Marina Del Rey on June 14, 2008 to circumnavigate the world in his 36-foot sailboat, Intrepid. He successfully completed his 28,000 mile journey 13 months later, arriving back to his home port to a cheering throng of family, friends and other admirers on July 17, 2009.
Sunderland said he is looking forward to his journey down the Mother Road, which happens to be the theme of this year’s Route 66 Parade.
“Route 66 is historic and the parade sounds like a lot of fun. I can’t wait to get out there and see Duarte and meet the people,” said Sunderland. The number 66 is significant for Sunderland. “66 was the number on my football jersey for two years when I played linebacker for Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley,” he said.
This year’s Route 66 Parade will step off at 10 a.m., an hour later than in previous years. The parade starts at the northeast corner of Huntington Dr. and Cotter St. and proceeds east along a one mile strip of Huntington Dr., historic U.S. Route 66.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Journey Down the Mother Road” and will feature antique and classic cars, bands, equestrian units, and hundreds of parading participants representing local schools, churches and community organizations.
Getting his land legs on route 66. Zac sunderland, the 17 year-old adventurer who recently became the youngest person to ever sail around the world solo, visited duarte and the city’s andres duarte statue as a prelude to his appearance on sept. 19 As grand marshal of duarte’s route 66 parade. Welcoming sunderland (center) to the city were, from left: parade chairman, k.C. Caracci; councilmember lois gaston; mayor pro tem, margaret finlay; mayor john fasana and councilwoman tzeitel paras-caracci.
Immediately following the parade, the community is invited to attend the City’s 52nd Anniversary Picnic and the Route 66 Vintage Car Show at Royal Oaks Park. Dozens of community groups will host food and game booths at the Picnic which will also feature live entertainment. Picnic-goers will also have a chance to meet Grand Marshal Zac Sunderland, in person. Sunderland will sign autographs at the Picnic. On the Vintage Car Show side of Royal Oaks Park, dozens of beautiful antique and classic cars will be on display. Adding to the fun, will be a Crafts Fair featuring artisans and crafters from all over Southern California.
Leading the list of businesses helping to support the parade this year are Parade sponsors: City of Duarte, Southern California Edison, and StorAmerica. Breakfast sponsor is Royal Oaks Manor. Mother Road sponsors are: Home Depot, AT&T Yellow Pages, and Burrtec Waste. Gold sponsors are City of Hope, Joe’s Place, and Elks Lodge 1427.
Groups interested in participating in the parade, Car Show or Crafts Fair can download application forms from the parade website, www.duarteroute66parade.com. The website is also the place to get the latest updates on the parade and Route 66 Car Show activities. For more information by phone, call (626) 260-0993.
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