Gridley Police and firefighters joined the Chamber of Commerce staff for a preliminary picture in preparation for Red Suspenders Day happening on May 17. Photo by Connie Voss

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The day that Gridley has been waiting for is almost here! The annual Red Suspenders Day will be on Saturday, May 17.

For those new to Gridley, Red Suspenders Day started in 1961 as a dance to raise money for the volunteer firemen. Since then, it has grown to a community-wide celebration in honor of local firefighters and policemen, and the fun lasts for two days.

To begin the festivities, one of the traditions of Red Suspenders Day is the arrests made for the “Unjustice Court,” which will be on Friday, May 16. The Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the “Warrant for Citizen’s Arrest,” where residents can fill out a pretend warrant to send to friends, family, bosses, employees or anyone else to go to “jail.”

“Unjustice” court inmates Jenny Muzzy and Maggie Hepworth take part in the fun as they await family members to post bail. Courtesy photo

Those given a warrant will then be arrested by either the volunteer police or the fire department and brought to Rotary Park for a mock trial. Violations listed on the Red Suspenders Day unjustice ticket include jay walking, littering, running a stop sign and showing up on time to work.

Warrants for your favorite “criminal” are available online or for pick-up at the Gridley Chamber of Commerce office. Filing can be done the same day; it’s not too late. The judges, Gridley Chamber of Commerce President Bailiff Lynne Spencer and CAL FIRE Captain Mike Conaty, will sentence and jail any “lawbreakers,” where they will be fed pizza and drinks until they are bailed out. The bail amount depends on the severity of the “crime” and the ability to pay.

Also, on May 16, will be the Guns ‘n Hoses softball game at Vierra Park, starting at 6 p.m. Local firefighters and Gridley Police will take part in the Home Run Derby, with benefits going to a local charity. Food will be available to purchase, so enjoy the fun.

The exciting bed races are always a hit at Red Suspenders Day. Courtesy photo.

On Saturday, May 17, beginning at 7 a.m., “the finest Pancake Breakfast anywhere” will be prepared and served by Gridley Little League, Masonic Lodge and the Knights of Columbus. The breakfast costs $8 per person.

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17, classic cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display at Hazel and Kentucky streets. Gridley Chamber of Commerce will award trophies and cash prizes.

The ever-popular Bed Races will be held at 9:30 a.m. May 17 on Virginia Street. Come cheer for your favorite team. At the same time, the Lions Club will hold its Marshmallow Competition in Rotary Park.

Ongoing during the event will be the Street Faire, featuring more than 100 vendors with crafts, gifts and services. Food trucks will be located on Hazel Street at both Virginia and Washington Street corners.

Gridley City Councilmember Jim Roberts looks forlorn in the Red Suspenders Day jail. Courtesy photo

All the downtown parks will be busy with kids’ games, rides and a bounce house. Live music at the Daddow Park gazebo will be provided by Emma and Will.

New this year will be a Police Motorcycle Competition on Washington Street at noon May 17, immediately following the 11 a.m. parade. Come watch policemen show their motorcycle skills!

Firemen games will assess strength and endurance on the west side of Rotary Park, starting at 1 p.m.  

Finishing off the day, the Museum on Kentucky Street will serve a tri-tip dinner to raise money for a good cause.