TRUCKEE, Calif. — Truckee's July 4th parade was a smashing success. The streets were filled with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of people, some of who had saved their seats as early as 6 a.m. This year's parade was themed “We Love Our Truckee."

The parade, produced by the Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce, is a true showing of Truckee's community spirit, small town charm, and as always is a real slice of Americana. Making a special appearance, and a real crowd-pleaser, was the Wells Fargo horse-drawn stagecoach. The legendary stagecoach is priceless, and a true symbol of American history. And returning once again was the always popular Sierra Highlanders Pipe Band.

Special award winners included the Mayor's Trophy being awarded to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Truckee.

The Theme Trophy (best presentation of parade theme) was awarded to Tahoe Donner Association. The Innovation & Craftsmanship Trophy went to the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT). Best of Show went to Tahoe Donner Association.

Grand Marshals selected this year were Pam Hobday and Norm Justesen, Pam and Norm were named as “Truckee Citizens of the Year” in February by InterClub (comprised of service clubs in Truckee including Soroptimist International Truckee Donner, the Truckee Lion's Club, Truckee Sunrise Rotary, Truckee Optimist Club, and Truckee Noon Rotary). Unfortunately Pam Hobday was out of town, but Norm was duly honored for his contributions to our community as Official Parade Grand Marshal. Norm and his wife Karen of 44 years have lived in Truckee for 32 years. Norm has served his community as an Optimist for 29 years, and has been a Railroad Regulator for the last 10 years, and a Truckee Police volunteer for four years. Norm also is a former Navy pilot.

Announcing the parade were Kane Schaller at Dickson Realty, J.D. Hoss of 101.5 FM, and keeping the downtown crowd excited was the ever-popular parade announcer Jim Simon, with music and sound system provided by James Woodruff of Crux Events. Judges this year included Vice Mayor Richard Anderson, Ron Florian, Carole Sesko, and Neil and Sue Cunningham. Returning for their 13th year were volunteer parade coordinators Hartley & Pattie Lesser.

Sponsors this year included Alison Bermant, Attorney at Law, Clear Capital, Dickson Realty – The Schallers, Glow, Lahontan Golf Club, Martis Camp, Mountain Hardware, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Plumas Bank, Resort at Squaw Creek, Rotary Club of Truckee, Sierra Sun, Soroptimists International of Truckee Donner, Sugar Bowl, Tahoe Donner Association, Tahoe Forest Health System, The Treehouse, Truckee Physical Therapy, and Truckee Tahoe Airport District.

Parade entries were judged in five different categories: Commercial, Open, Youth Group, Non-Profit, and Classic Auto. Entries are judged on organization of entry, public's response, quality of preparation, and effort involved. Awards given for first place winners in all categories:

Best of Show: Tahoe Donner Association

Theme Award: Tahoe Donner Association

Mayor's Choice: American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Truckee

Innovation & Craftsmanship Award: Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT)

Commercial: The Auto + Tire Doctor

Open: A Family Story – 33 Years of Truckee Fun (Bill & Norma Markley)

Youth Group: Truckee Drill Team

Nonprofit: Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District

Classic Auto: Gina and Stuart Peterson

—Submitted by Truckee Donner Chamber of Commerce