LOWER LAKE ?Spectators enjoyed one of the longest parades in recent memory Sunday as Lower Lake celebrated Memorial Day. Lower Lake Daze Parade and Pet Parade enjoyed the participation of about 60 entrants.
The theme of this year”s parade was “Flower Power, the ?60s.” Rainbows of tied-dyed colors, daisy chains and peace signs filled the procession. The celebration continued with live music, barbecue chicken and ribs and parade awards at Lower Lake Community Park.
Longtime business owner and community supporter Jim Jonas served as Grand Marshal on Sunday. Jonas was accompanied in the parade by his wife Gail. Jonas boasts a lifetime of community service beginning with membership in the Lakeshore Lions Club in 1960. He also served the community as a volunteer firefighter. Jonas and his family continue to operate Jonas Oil and Jonas Heating & Cooling in Lower Lake, recently expanding into alternative energy applications with solar and wind equipment.
The Middletown Majorettes maintained their rule and were named the overall sweepstakes winner for the third consecutive year. Pet Parade sweepstakes went to Rosie Rice her five-year-old Bichone Fise, Poufi Mena.
Additional awards were presented as follows:
? Automobiles: Mom and PoPa Denno of Double D Ranch, 1929 Model A, first place; Joe and Norma Colabella, 1934 Ford truck, second place; Tommy and Zarlan Rand, 1930 Model A sedan, third place.
? Classic cars: Lake County Model A club, first place; Jim Mallard, 1949 Mercury sedan, second place; Electra and Suzanne Pederson, third place.
? Floats: Lake County Shriners, first place; Old Time Feed Store, second place, Point Lakeview Rock and Redi Mix, third place.
? Pet Parade: Aubrey and Christina (last names not provided) with their goats Sherlock and Oreo and their dog Comet, first place; Chico the Chihuahua, second place; Leslie Hazelton and Enid, the guide dog, third place.
? Public service: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Makenna Rose Enger, first place; International Order of Rainbow, second place; Boy Scout Troop No. 44, third place.
? Novelty: American Legion/ 40&8 train, RJ Tucker, first place.
? Group: Lower Lake Methodist Church, first place; TOPS No 936, second place;
? Youth: Konocti Dance Academy, first place; Konocti Kloggers, second place; Lower Lake Child Development Center, third place.
?Non-profit: Soroptimist International of Clear Lake, first place.
? Costume: The Wulffgang, first place; Lake Renaissance Festival, second place.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
