Corpus Christi Bayfront
 |
| Mike Garrison 2008 President Bucaraders |
 |
| Steve Hindman, 2008 Vice President |
 |
| Troy Watson VP Bands |
In January of 1957 a group of 23 diverse individuals organized to form an Official Parade Organization that became known as “Bucaraders”. Fifty-one years later the organization has grown to 75 active members, a host of past presidents and associate members to produce two exciting parades for the citizens of Corpus Christi to enjoy.
The responsibility of Bucraders is to produce two (2) parades during the “Buc Days” festivities. The first of these parades is the Junior Parade, which is made up of different youth organizations, elementary schools, and middle school bands. Each year there is a different theme for the Junior Parade, with awards given to those organizations, schools, and bands who participate. There is also a king and queen chosen from the participants who ride at the head of the parade, with their crowns and gifts in a convertible.
The throngs of parade viewers line the one (1) mile parade route to cheer and catch a glimpse of their sons, daughters, grandchildren participating in the parade.
The second of these parades is the Illuminated Night Parade, which is held a week after the Junior Parade, with the same coordination and planning. Invitations are sent throughout the state to organizations, communities, high schools, colleges, and other entities to join on this night. As in the Junior Parade awards in different categories are presented to those who participate.
Planning and coordinating of this parade starts in January, and continues through the week of the event. When the time finally comes for the parade to start all entries such as bands, floats, and dignitaries are in their proper place for the 3.2 mile long parade.
The estimated attendance for this event on a yearly basis is 150,000 people lining the street for a night of fun and enjoyment.
The organization is run by its officers, directors and bylaws. There is a ladder in place so that each officer and director will move up and participate in each aspect of parade coordination and execution. The ladder is as follows: President, Executive Vice President, 1st Vice President of Bands, Vice Chairman of Bands, 2nd Vice President of Floats, Vice Chairman of Floats, 3rd Vice President of Miscellaneous Units, with two (2) Vice Chairmen, 4th Vice President of Transportation, Vice Chairman of Transportation, 5th Vice President of Stadium, Vice Chairman of Stadium, 6th Vice President of Communications & First Aid, 7th Vice President of Security & Traffic, Headquarters Secretary & Treasurer.
Though the Bucarader organization is only known during Buc Days festivities, those of us who are members and past presidents are proud to say that with the help of the Buccaneer Commission and its staff present to the City of Corpus Christi the best parades in the country.