Revelers lined both sides of Bell Street at 11 a.m. and cheered on a cavalcade of horseback riders, tractor enthusiasts and community groups. More than 50 entrees participated in the parade, and most hailed from Los Alamos and the surrounding Valley.
The parade featured 2012 grand marshal William “Bill” Caldera, Jr. of Los Alamos; Parade coordinators were Julie Moore and Mary Lou Noll; announcer was Laura Kath; and parade judges were three anonymous members of the LAVMC.
The family fun-filled affair, which kicked off Sept. 28, was sponsored by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, a local philanthropic group dedicated to preserving the town’s unique look and hospitality, as well as providing scholarships and funding to local students and organizations.
The three-day event also included food, live entertainment, a Civil War camp with live re-enactments of history, a Peddler’s Mart, a classic car show and live music. The parade and festivities attracted an estimated 3,000 or more people to the community, according to organizers.
66th Annual Los Alamos Old Days parade winners:
1. Float: Civic Organization – Lompoc Shrine Club
2. Float: Commercial – Casa Dumetz/Babi’s Tasting Room
3. Float: Youth Group – Righetti High School FFA (Future Farmers of America)
4. Equestrian: Youth – Los Charros del Rio Grande
5. Equestrian: Adult – Charros del Pacifico (Mexican Rodeo Team)
6. Equestrian: Animal-drawn vehicle – McCormick Demcon, Inc. (Carriage made in Canada)
7. Automobile/motorized equipment: Antique – 1949 International fire truck restored by the Los Alamos Community Services District
8. Automobile/motorized equipment: Classic – 1948 Buick Roadmaster Convertible owned by the Thompson family; conveying the grand marshal William “Bill” Caldera
9. Automobile/motorized equipment: Tractor – Merrill Family featuring a John Deere tractor and trailer plus a Kubota RTV
10. Automobile/motorized equipment: Farm/Ranch – 1949 Farmall Cub tractor owned by Charles A. Kelli
11. Military: “California Hundred” – Company A, 2nd Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry re-enactors
12. Clowns: Santa Maria Elks Lodge 1538 Clowns
13. Musical: Charros los tequileros
14. Novelty: Olga Reed School of Los Alamos jfoster@syvjournal.com