Butte County Fire personnel and Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce members gather in downtown Gridley ahead of Red Suspenders Day on May 16, celebrating the community partnership behind the annual event. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Gridley’s 65th annual Red Suspenders Day returns Saturday, May 16, bringing a full schedule of events that highlight the community’s volunteer spirit while drawing residents and visitors into downtown for a daylong celebration.

What began in 1961 as a fundraiser for volunteer firefighters has grown into one of the city’s largest annual events, while maintaining its focus on service, participation and local pride. Organizers are preparing for a strong turnout this year, with forecasts calling for mostly sunny skies and a high near 77 degrees.

The day opens at 7 a.m. with the pancake breakfast at Railroad Park, served through 10 a.m. by Gridley Little League with support from the Knights of Columbus. The breakfast serves as an early gathering point before activity spreads throughout the downtown area.

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

From 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., vendors will be set up in parks across the city, offering food, goods and local information. At the same time, the classic car and truck show will line Kentucky Street, with registration beginning at 7 a.m., judging from 8 to 10 a.m. and the show continuing until 1 p.m. The show features vehicles from multiple decades, along with motorcycles and visiting car clubs.

At 9:30 a.m., Virginia Street becomes the site of one of the event’s most anticipated traditions, the bed races. Teams push decorated beds down the course while rotating runners and completing a required clothing change mid-race, creating a mix of competition and humor that draws steady crowds.

“Its fun to watch,” said Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce President Lynne Spencer. “The beds are custom built, and some even share their setups between competitions.”

Also at 9:30 a.m., Rotary Park will host the Lions Club marshmallow competition, part of a broader lineup of children’s games running from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the park.

The parade begins at 11 a.m., traveling through downtown along Virginia and Hazel streets. The parade remains a central feature of Red Suspenders Day, with entries from local businesses, service organizations and community groups. There is still time to participate, with parade applications available online at https://gridleyareachamber.org or at the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce office. Entries must be submitted by May 11, with lineup beginning at 10 a.m. the day of the event.

At noon, the police motorcycle competition takes place on Washington Street, where officers navigate a cone course designed to test precision riding skills. The event is open to active and retired motor officers and is led locally by retired motorman Jim Roberts.

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

Live music will follow from noon to 2:30 p.m. at the gazebo in Daddow Park, while the firemen’s games begin at 1 p.m. in Rotary Park.

“Its all good fun,” Spencer said. “The local firefighters compete in some lighthearted competition. The best part is everyone gets to have fun.”

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

In addition to the scheduled events, organizers are again hosting the “Unjustice Court,” a fundraiser designed to engage the public while supporting the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce.

Butte County Fire personnel take part in a mock arrest during the Red Suspenders Day “Unjustice Court” fundraiser in Gridley. Community members can file warrants and post bail as part of the lighthearted event, with all proceeds benefiting the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Seti Long 

Operating from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Washington Street, the activity allows residents to file mock warrants against friends, family members or community members. Once submitted, the individual is contacted, booked and assigned a case before appearing before a judge.

The booking process includes an official photograph and listing, after which the subject is placed in the Red Suspenders Day paddy wagon until bail is posted. Friends and family can contribute toward bail, with all arrest fees and bail payments treated as donations to the chamber.

Participants may also purchase a $40 “get out of jail” card in advance or at the event to avoid booking. Warrants can be filed and exemption cards purchased online at gridleyareachamber.org/events/unjust-court

The fundraiser is voluntary and designed as a lighthearted way to involve the community while supporting chamber programs.

Throughout the day, visitors will also find Red Suspenders Day merchandise available through the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce. Commemorative T-shirts are available for purchase ahead of the event and at the chamber booth during the celebration, along with red suspenders and other Gridley-themed items. Apparel can be purchased through the chamber office or online at gridleyareachamber.org/events/red-suspenders-days

More information, including vendor applications and event details, is available at gridleyareachamber.org or by contacting the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce 890 Hazel St., in downtown Gridley, or 530-846-3142.