Cheers! 60 Years of Red Suspenders
May 12, 2021 12:00AM ● By By Seti Long
Happy 60th Anniversary! Countless hours of work from these volunteers, members of the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce and local Firefighters, coupled with the support of local businesses, the Gridley Police Department and more have made yet another Red Suspenders Day a possibility for our community! Photo by Seti Long
GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – After a year hiatus, Red Suspenders Days is back to celebrate its 60th anniversary and our younger generations, with the 2021 theme of “Celebrating our Youth.”
With COVID-19 still a concern to many, the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce has put forth a strong effort to maintain social distancing precautions. Handwashing stations, along with hand sanitizing spots, will be located throughout the expanded footprint of the event – booths, vendors, and more will be spread out throughout the downtown corridor and parks. Visitors are asked to wear their masks and to abide by social distancing standards.
Festivities begin Friday, May 14th, with Unjustice Court. Even the most innocent might get a trip to the slammer for the fundraiser, but they won’t leave hungry. Those arrested for Unjustice Court will be treated to lunch courtesy of Our Town Pizzeria & Deli, while they enjoy their socially distanced jail experience and wait for someone to post their bail.
Things will really start to heat up Saturday, May 15th, with the traditional Little League Pancake Breakfast at Railroad Park (downtown). This year, there are no pre-sale tickets, just head on down to Railroad Park (downtown Gridley) between 7:00-10:00 am for your fill.
Beginning at 8:00 am, the Classic Car Show and vendor booths open to the public. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles will be on display for your viewing pleasure with judging for: Best Engine, Best Interior, Best Paint Job, Best of Show, and People’s Choice.
As for vendors, Red Suspenders Days marks the official kick-off of the Gridley Farmers Market. Dhillon Farms will be on hand with fresh fruits and vegetables, while a total of 75 other vendors will be spread throughout the Red Suspenders Day festival area. Non-food vendors include but are not limited to: Scentsy, Paparazzi, doTerra, Pure Romance, Origami Owl, crafts, purses, kids’ toys and more.
Since “Celebrating Our Youth” is the theme this year, children can expect many events to be geared towards their entertainment. There will be pony rides and a petting zoo, The Princesses will be in attendance, and much more!
The Bed Races will energize the crowd at 9:30 am, with the parade following at 11:00 am. The Parade will have an extended route, running from Virginia, to Hazel, to California streets and three announcing stations located at: Virginia St., Hazel St., and at the Hazel/California St. turn. If fire conditions permit, 20 different CALFIRE units will be a part of the parade, along with flight units (helicopters) arriving later in the day. This year, the annual Firemen Games may look a little different, due to water conservation efforts, but will begin at 1:00-4:00 pm at Rotary Park.
The WSB band will provide music for those in Daddow Park while they shop, play, and eat from one of the 14 different food vendors on hand for the day. Items such as kettle corn, coffee, shaved ice, apple fries, gourmet sandwiches, hamburgers, tacos, and more are all set to be available. Of course, the Gridley Lions Club will have a fundraising booth selling hot dogs, and the Gridley Museums Drive-Thru Tri Tip Dinner will wrap up the day’s festivities from 4:00 -7:00 pm. See Gridley Museum for purchase.
Cheers to 60 years of Red Suspenders Days and here’s to more years to come!
