KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 15, 2020
By Jennifer Miko
When the Katy town pep rally was canceled, members of the community took action. To show support for the Katy Tigers from elementary through high school, a city-wide Katy Spirit Train was put in motion. Vehicles decorated in red and white will start their loop through Katy proper at 5 p.m. Sunday, September 20.
The Katy community is invited to participate this Sunday in a city-wide spirit event. Up to 100 vehicles will caravan on the route showing their Katy Tiger pride. Spectators are encouraged to line the streets and cheer as they pass.
Chris Harris, City of Katy Mayor Pro Tem says, “Events like this spirit train, even during COVID, show how important our students and school are to the Katy community!”
Angie McClelland spearheaded the event because of her love for Katy. She recruited her business partner Robin Ebrecht, to help, and they hope the community comes out to make this a fun day for the kids.
“I saw the need for unity and a spirit boost for our kids," says Angie McClelland. “This community has a heart like no other, and always comes together, and this is a way for the Katy community to gather in a large square and cheer."
(Pictured: Angie McClelland, left, and Robin Ebrecht, right)
McClelland has lived in Katy for the past 5 years. Her oldest son Walker graduated Katy High School in 2018, Bronson is a senior there, and a Tigers quarterback, and her daughter Mamie Grace is a freshman and plays volleyball.
McClelland says the kids notice the lack of parent involvement on the campuses (due to COVID-19 restrictions). When her daughter plays in her volleyball games, they can’t have spectators, and she knows the kids thrive off the support of family and friends cheering for them.
By having the Spirit Train event, McClelland says, “It was a way to say, ‘We’re here, we will be sitting where we always sit.’”
Ebrecht is also a dedicated Tiger mom. Her children have worn red and white from Katy Elementary through Katy High School.
“The Katy community likes to support the kids no matter what program they’re a part of,” says Robin Ebrecht. “You can’t hold a Tiger down.”
Event Logistics
Organizations representing all clubs and athletic teams from the Katy elementary through the high school are welcome to travel along the route. Drivers do not need to register to participate but will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis. Vehicles can arrive around 4:30 p.m. at the Cane Island Amenity Center to line up.
The Katy Police Department will be on-site to help direct vehicles. Coordinators say the event is not classified as a parade, and the path doesn’t include any Texas Department of Transportation roads.
McClelland says cars are encouraged to play music and decorate in red and white to show their Tiger pride. The organizers stress that everyone should stay safe and socially distant and be mindful not to gather in large groups.
The Katy Fire Department will show their support for the students by participating in the spirit train, and along the path, small groups will be entertaining with live musical performances.
Showing Katy Pride
Although this is not a Katy ISD sanctioned event, various groups from all of the schools will be set up at the Cane Island pavilion to sell spirit wear.
“This tradition gives everyone some semblance of normalcy, and I’m glad everyone is able to participate or be a spectator,” says Harris. “Go Tigers!!!”
Prizes will be awarded for the most spirited vehicles. Local businesses interested in contributing toward the prizes can call Angie or Robin at 281-665-7435.
This week, residents can also donate decorations, like streamers, pom poms, and Katy signs to help students decorate their vehicles. Items can be dropped off at the YaYa Club at 123 FM 1463 during regular business hours.
“We’re all about tradition, and we’re old school around here,” says McClelland. ”We’ve certainly got a big red heart, and we’re all about Katy.”