TRUCKEE, Calif. — After a two-year break, Truckee’s Fourth of July Parade drew large crowds full of energy, excitement, spirit and smiles. The theme of the parade was “A Community Tradition” and the community enthusiastically welcomed the return of this community event.

The parade route was filled with folding chairs at the break of dawn as people secured their favorite spots to watch the parade. The traditional Firecracker Mile put on by the Auburn Ski Club kicked off the pre-parade excitement with the winner coming in at just over 4:00 minutes. 

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Color Guard presented the colors with the Mountain Belles leading the crowd through the National Anthem. The sirens blaring and horns honking of police cars and fire engines officially started the parade. Mayor Courtney Henderson served as this year’s Grand Marshal waving to the crowds along the parade route. Upon arriving downtown, she hopped out of the snazzy red convertible to join the judges on the stage. 

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Other judges included Mike and Sandy Horn – longtime head judges of the parade, Emily Vitas, Chair of the Truckee Chamber Board, and Lynn Saunders, president/CEO of the chamber. When the scores were tallied, they couldn’t have been happier with the results.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

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Grand Prize: Truckee High School Marching Band

Open: Jibboom Street Marching Band

Classic Auto: Alibi Ale Works

NonProfit: Truckee River Drill Team

Commercial: DeLux Landscaping

Performing for the first time in the parade was the Truckee High School Marching Band. It was heartwarming to see so many high school students/band members proudly performing in their red uniforms and white feathers atop their hats. It was so exemplary of community pride and spirit that their scores earned them the Grand Prize trophy.

The Jibboom Street Marching Band had an impressive number of talented performers. An eclectic group of young and old decked out in typical casual Truckee-attire, they were the perfect example of what participating in your hometown parade is all about.

Alibi Ale Works wowed the crowds in a black 1939 Buick that harkened back to the outlaws Bonnie & Clyde days. Owned by Rylan Cordova of Alibi Ale, Cordova got the car from his grandmother. When he picked up his trophy, Cordova shared photos of his grandmother and him by the car. This cool ride took the Classic Car trophy.

Back in fine form was the Truckee River Drill Team, made up of a bunch of fun-loving Rotarians. With precision and accuracy, they performed their maneuvers with their old skis, and uniforms of Hawaiian shirts, shorts and snow boots. Always popular with the crowds and judges, they took the Nonprofit Award.

The crowd went wild when DeLux Landscaping’s entry, the huge Edna the Elephant truck, came down the parade route with music blaring and dancers rocking out. Edna started life as an airport fire truck. Built by James Cole, she is now an instant party – with DJs on her deck and grateful dancers having fun below at various locations, including at Black Rock Desert and Burning Man. Edna has a 10,000-watt custom-built sound system that was made at the Truckee Roundhouse makerspace. This creative and fun entry took the Commercial category trophy.

While thousands of spectators lined the streets, the popular parade was also viewed by more than 600 people on Truckee Tahoe Media’s website. Thanks to our always entertaining MC’s Jim Simon and Ravn Whitington downtown, and JD Hoss and Dondo announcing at The First Turn.

The parade is produced by the Truckee Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Town of Truckee, with logistical support by Big Blue Adventure, LLC. The event couldn’t happen without the community’s support and sponsorships. Special thanks to Crux Events for the spectacular judges stage and music. 

For more information, contact the Truckee Chamber of Commerce at 530-587-8808 or e-mail info@truckee.com.