The final fire truck in the parade sprays the eager children. Photo by Connie Voss

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – It was a perfect day for the annual Red Suspender’s Day celebration, and it was very well attended. Festivities kicked off at 7 a.m. May 17 with the pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Gridley Lions Club.

Next on the agenda was the Bed Race event at 9:30 a.m. Little League teams from all around town enthusiastically participated. Many heats were run, with two beds at a time. Ultimately, the girls’ team, the Gators, won on a technicality; the boys’ team member on the bed did not remain lying down.

Here is the triumphant girls' Bed race team, the Gators. Photo by Connie Voss

Gator’s coach Daniel Inguanzo praised the team.

“We had a great season. Our girls worked very hard. In the entire race, it was them making the decisions, them choosing who to pick. That’s really great because they understand leadership and teamwork, and that’s what we’re striving for,” said Inguanzo.

Treyson Wakefield of the McDonald’s team expressed how much fun it was, even though his team didn’t win. Robert McDowell of the Mariners team related some of the technical difficulties they had with their bed.

The boys' Bed Race team, the Mariners, get ready to start the final heat. Photo by Connie Voss

Since the parade didn’t start until 11 a.m., visitors had time to shop among the 105 vendors present for the event. Etched glass, needlework, plants and informational booths for local agencies were some offerings available at Daddow and Rotary Parks.

Lance and Wanda Swift of Blue Rooster Gifts and Glass came from Grimes for their third year.

“I quit my job to do this. We do this every weekend, all the way from Stockton to McCloud,” said Wanda Swift.

Dwight Cooper sells his bubble wands to Red Suspenders Day attendees. Photo by Connie Voss

An enterprising young man, Dwight Cooper, was selling his bubble wands to shoppers, making his way on foot around the crowds. 

All 46 classic cars for the car show were exhibited along Kentucky Street for public viewing. The car that drove the farthest to participate came from Yreka.

Gridley Firefighter of the Year Alex Klein is with Gridley Chamber of Commerce President Lynne Spencer. Photo by Connie Voss

Duane Naylor from Biggs brought a 1926 Tall T Rat Rod, built by his son, Brayden, who was unable to attend.

“He built the frame. I think he built the car in seven months. He welds and fabricates. I showed him how to build the first one and then he wanted to build this one on his own. This is what he came up with,” said Naylor. “The only thing I did on this was help with the roof. A Rat Rod is basically just whatever parts you get, you put together. This part is Model T; that’s a Model A, and the engine is from a boat. I got him started on building them and now he’s addicted to it.”

Gridley firefighters are in the Battle of the Barrel. Photo by Connie Voss

The Naylors apparently did a good job, their vehicle won Best Rat Rod. Other winners included Best Engine, Wes Boone; Best Truck, Jack Hogan; Best Hot Rod, James Lemere; Best Interior, Randy Lavelock; Best Paint, Darrel Parsley; Best Motorcycle, Lance Andersen; People’s Choice and Best of Show went to Randy Lavelock for his 1951 Cadillac.

The parade got off to a great start with a police motorcade and color guard. Gerardo Negrete from Gridley High School sang the National Anthem.    

 Third-place parade winner was the “Ballet de Tonantzin” dancers. Photo by Lisa Van de Hey