For the first time, the event expands to Portland with the Driscoll Children\u2019s Parade, Buc Days 5K, cowboy breakfast, live music, and free family activities. \n<\/p>\n
PORTLAND, Texas \u2014 Excitement is building in Portland as organizers unveil major plans for this year\u2019s Buc Days celebration.<\/p>\n
The 5K and Driscoll Children\u2019s Parade are moving from their traditional Corpus Christi routes along Shoreline Boulevard to Portland. The 5K will begin at 9 a.m. at Fifth & Elm, turn around at Sunset Lake Park, and finish back at the venue.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Gregory-Portland Middle School, proceeds down Wildcat Drive, and ends at Fifth & Elm. Awards for both events will follow at the venue.<\/p>\n
Mark Avelar of the Buccaneer Commission said, \u201cOn Saturday, April 18th, we\u2019re moving our children\u2019s parade and our 5K to Fifth and Elm here in Portland. We\u2019re really excited to partner with ArcelorMittal and become more of a regional event.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students participating in Buck Days praised the new Portland location.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Students involved in Buc Days are enthusiastic about the move.<\/p>\n
Maribella Gutierrez shared, \u201cI applied to the Buc Day scholarship program because I wanted to grow as a leader and learn how to better serve my community\u2026 I\u2019ve gained meaningful relationships, confidence, and leadership skills that will stay with me for life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ianz Amarille added, \u201cI gained new skills such as handling stress, community work, and the friendships I made with kids across the Coastal Bend\u2014it was very worthwhile.\u201d<\/p>\n
Director of Communications at City of Portland, Shelby O\u2019Brien, noted the impact of hosting Buc Days locally. \u201cPortland is growing so fast and has so much to offer. Being able to share it with the Coastal Bend just means a lot. It encourages kids around Portland to join programs like this and grow their leadership skills.\u201d<\/p>\n