CLEARLAKE — The 55th annual Redbud Parade and Festival, hosted by the Lakeshore Lions Club, was held Saturday in Clearlake.
The daylong event featured an array of family entertainment including the 13th annual “Show and Shine Car Show” and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce”s 46th annual International Worm Races. The event culminated with fireworks at dusk.
The procession of floats, marchers and other entries was led by Grand Marshal Jim McMurray, a retired Lake County Fire Protection District fire chief. Foods, Etc. owner Dennis Darling was honored as the club”s citizen of the year.
Joining Redbud Parade Queen Hayley Bishop in her royal court were princesses Danacka Whittington and Breanna Murphy.
The theme of this year”s parade was “At the Movies.” Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2337 took the prize for best overall entry with its float depicting a scene from the television series, “M*A*S*H.”
First runner-up was the Sons of the American Legion float, which featured an entourage of comic book “Avengers.”
Second runner-up was awarded for the “Bonnie and Clyde” entry from Lake County Model A”s. Lake County Association of Behavioral Consultants was third runner-up with its “Wizard of Oz” float. Punisher Wrestling won the prize for most patriotic entry.
Additional parade results were as follows:
Fraternal/service club floats: Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 2337, first place; Pearl Harbor Survivors, second place; Lake County Shrine Club, third place.
Commercial floats: Foods, Etc., first place; Lake County Association of Behavioral Consultants, second place; Hart”s Baby Baby, third place.
Non-commercial floats: Girl Scout Troop No. 433, first place; Sons of American Legion, second place; Punisher Wrestling, third place.
Antique cars (pre-1940s): Lake County Model A”s.
Classic cars: Leo Parodi, first place; Valenzuela Tire, second place; Bonnie Epps, third place.
Unusual car (electric and steam): R.J. Tucker, first place; Bill Merriman of the Masonic Lodge, second place; Star Tour & Riding, third place. Street rod: Girls night out, first place; Josh Wade, second place.
Marching group: Boy Scout Troop No. 44, first place; Vietnam Veterans of America, second place.
Fire departments: Lake County Fire Protection District, first place.
Comic fire departments: Lake County Fire Protection District Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Funny things: Elliot Naess, first place; Glory Days Flag Football League, second place; Park Study Club/Art House Gallery, third place.
The California State Horsemen”s Association”s (CSHA) sweepstakes winner was Mary Ann Reece, who also won first place in the Arabian costume division. Junior sweepstakes winner was Daniel Larranga.
Other awards were presented as follows: Lonne Sloan, senior novelty costume; Kirsten Spraktes, senior plain western; Karly Petta, junior equestrian; Daniel Larranga, CSHA future horseman; Angela Ann Pecheco, local future horseman; Diana Perez, mini horse; Brook Langraph, junior novelty.
