Turlock Sikh parade to advance outreach effort

TURLOCK -- The Turlock Sikh Temple is sponsoring what organizers are calling Stanislaus County's first Sikh parade here Sunday.

Harinder Grewal, an agriculture inspector for the county and a member of the Turlock Unified School Board, said he hopes the parade becomes an annual event, as is common for Sikh temples. Livingston, a few miles to the south, has a large Sikh parade every spring.

"This is another way to reach out to all the communities," Grewal said. "It's one day where everybody is going to get together and celebrate culture."

In addition to the members of the temple and their friends and family, Grewal said he hopes the parade draws a large and diverse crowd.

The Turlock Sikh population has been growing; last year, the community opened a new 20,000-square foot temple in Turlock that's two stories tall, with room for the temple's 2,000 members. The previous building was so small that people had to take turns to worship.

Community outreach has increased along with that growth: Grewal hosted a public discussion earlier this year that included elected and law enforcement officials from around the region.

They're invited back on Sunday, Grewal said.

"I strongly believe that again reaching out to everyone, getting together and sharing with everyone will help all the communities to understand each other."

Sunday's parade will start at noon at the temple, 1373 Fifth St. at East Linwood Avenue, in Turlock. Refreshments will be provided. Call (209) 632-4653.

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