Carrot Festival helps continue family traditions

HOLTVILLE, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)- Thousands of residents lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the latest parade presentations from various groups throughout the Imperial Valley.

Holtville Chamber of Commerce Manager, Rosie Allegranza said the "Carrot Festival," is an event all residents look forward to each year.

"Because we're such a small town. 6,000. Everybody knows everybody here. And so you come home to see your friends, your family, it's a reunion."

Allegranza added that the festival highlights the crop that's put Holtville on the map.

"We're the biggest producer of carrots in the winter. All the carrots come from our area."

Joe Escobar recalls the days he spent enjoying the festival as a child. It's a tradition he hopes to pass on to his children.

"We've been doing this since they were little. Her sister is in the actual parade today. So we came out to support her."

For Escobar, it's about capturing precious moments each year.

"They never forget anything. We do the old fashioned ice creams. We like that and all the games. Just you know memories. The smell, everything."