The early morning was cold and foggy as amateur radio volunteers from across the county checked in for duty, arriving by 6:30, with some arriving by 6:00 – and you know who you are! There were members from West County CERT, SORA, Laguna Niguel and Mission Viejo RACES and OCHEART there to support Westminster RACES and provide “eyes and ears” and radio communications throughout the half mile 2020 TET Parade route in Westminster.

Mickey Mouse served as the Children’s Grand Marshall and lead the parade ushering the Lunar New Year, Year of the Rat. The parade route ran along Tran Hung Dao Blvd. (Bolsa Avenue) from Magnolia east to Bushard before turning south and ending at Bishop Place. The celebration takes place in the Little Saigon area of Westminster which has the largest concentration of Vietnamese living outside of Vietnam.

The event itself went very well and was well attended with an estimated 10,000 spectators joining in the festivities. There were more than 80 parade entries ranging from political candidates and city council members to marching bands and floats. Of course, there were plenty of Dragons and firecrackers to celebrate and ring in the New Year.

Westminster RACES Lead, Chi Nguyen, was able to get some good photos of the radio communications teams as they were deployed. Thanks to Hermie, Karla, Art, and Barbara for representing West County CERT at the event.

You can watch the full TET Parade below:

The City of Westminster appreciates the assistance of all the volunteers who helped to make the parade possible. West County CERT looks forward to being there again in 2021.