RABBIT RUN RETURNS
KING CITY — The annual Rabbit Run is back this Saturday, July 12, at San Bernabe Vineyards in King City, with races starting at 9 a.m. Hosted by King City Rotary Club, the family-friendly event includes a 5-kilometer course with rolling hills, a flat and stroller-accessible 1-mile course, and a new 100-yard dash for children ages 6 and younger. Dogs on leashes are welcome on all courses. Following the races, participants can enjoy food, family games, an awards ceremony, and festivities at the Delicato Visitors Center. Winners in the 5K age categories will receive the event’s signature homemade carrot cakes. The event helps fund scholarships for King City High School graduates. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m. at the vineyard. Early sign-up is encouraged at webscorer.com/RabbitRun to guarantee a T-shirt and finisher medal.
SOCCER ACADEMY
MONTEREY COUNTY — The Chevron Soccer Academy (CSA) is returning to the Salinas Regional Soccer Complex for its seventh year, offering free training and tryouts for local youth. In partnership with Alianza de Futbol and the San Jose Earthquakes, the event includes a clinic on Saturday, July 12, for 200 youth ages 9-15 and a tryout on Sunday, July 13, for 200 student-athletes ages 15-18. Participants will train with current and former professional players and showcase their skills in front of scouts from top clubs, including the San Jose Earthquakes and prominent Mexican teams. The event also features the Chevron STEM Zone, an interactive space promoting STEM education through soccer science. Registration was free and open to Monterey County youth. More info is available at chevronsocceracademy.com.
KIDDIE KAPERS PARADE
SALINAS — The 94th annual Kiddie Kapers Parade, a beloved community event celebrating childhood and creativity, is set for Sunday, July 13, at 3 p.m. in Salinas City Center. Presented by Bay & Basin Insurance Services, the parade features children in costumes, floats, bikes and scooters (helmets required), all themed around “Once Upon a Rodeo” for 2025. The free parade welcomes all young participants with no pre-registration needed. This year’s Grand Marshal is Jaizel Mendoza, a 7-year-old from Salinas battling neuroblastoma. Organizers expressed excitement for the event’s return, promising a fun-filled showcase of Western magic and community spirit. For more details, visit carodeo.com.
BONUS BRIEF: VETS PARADE CANCELED
MONTEREY COUNTY — The Monterey County Veterans Day Parade Committee announced that the annual parade in Salinas will not take place this November. After 14 years of dedication, the committee has decided to pause the event to regroup and plan for a more impactful celebration in the future. “We deeply appreciate the support and enthusiasm from our community, veterans and volunteers over the years,” the committee stated. “This break will allow us to focus on enhancing the event’s impact and ensuring it continues to honor our veterans with the respect and recognition they deserve.” For more information, contact Parade Chairman Tony Virrueta at 831-214-9781 or to**********@***il.com.
