Red Suspenders Day returns to Gridley on Saturday, May 16, featuring a parade, bed races, classic car show, pancake breakfast and family activities throughout the day. Photo courtesy of Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley will celebrate its 65th annual Red Suspenders Day on Saturday, May 16, with a full day of events honoring local firefighters and police while bringing the community together downtown.

The tradition began in 1961 as a fundraiser for volunteer firefighters and has grown into one of Gridley’s largest annual events, drawing families, visitors and local organizations.

The day begins at 7 a.m. with the pancake breakfast at Railroad Park, served until 10 a.m. by Gridley Little League with help from the Knights of Columbus. Chamber Treasurer Lisa Van De Hay said the breakfast offers a full community experience.

“The kids do a great job about being attentive to the guests,” Van De Hay said. “They walk around making sure everyone has everything they need to enjoy their meals.”

Car enthusiasts will gather throughout the morning for the classic car and motorcycle show along Kentucky Street between Spruce and Sycamore streets. Registration opens at 7 a.m., with judging from 8 to 10 a.m. and the show running until 1 p.m. Vehicles from multiple decades will be featured, along with motorcycles and visiting groups such as the Gold Country Street Rods.

To participate in the show, registration information can be found online at: gridleyareachamber.org/events/rsd-car-show

The event continues with the 11 a.m. parade through downtown, followed by the police motorcycle rodeo at noon on Washington Street. Retired motorman Jim Roberts will lead the competition, where officers navigate cone courses designed to test precision riding skills.

“They have cones set up and they maneuver through them very skillfully,” Van De Hay said.

Families can also head to Rotary Park throughout the morning for games and activities, including the Lions Club Marshmallow Competition at 9:30 a.m. Van De Hay said the event has quickly become a highlight.

“It’s great to see the families come out and participate in the many different marshmallow games,” Van De Hay said.

Other activities include vendor booths in all parks from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., children’s games in Rotary Park, bed races at 9:30 a.m. on Virginia Street and live music at the Daddow Park gazebo from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Firemen’s games will begin at 1 p.m. in Rotary Park.

The day concludes with the Gridley Museum’s tri-tip dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. on Kentucky Street.

“We are excited to celebrate 65 years of Red Suspenders Day with our community,” Van De Hay said. “We also invite our neighbors to come out and have a good time with us.”

More information is available through the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce at 530-846-3142 or at gridleyareachamber.org.