Grand Marshal Maxine Madison
Alturas’ Fandango Days Fourth of July celebration is looked forward to by many every year; and while this one was HOT, it was another great success! The Alturas Chamber of Commerce did a great job adjusting usual plans due to Dorris Park’s current renovations.
This year’s parade started about 10:30 a.m. with Modocers lined up and down Main Street ready to see all of the creativity, and maybe even catch some candy. Floats lined up on Glen Street, heading north on Main Street and turning onto W 8th Street to end at the Rotary Fields. There were around 30 parade entries in total, including this year’s chosen Grand Marshal, Maxine Madison. Each year a Grand Marshal is chosen either by the Chamber, or with the help of nominations from the community! “This year, Maxine was chosen because of her dedication to the community, and to Modoc County” said Dianna Bass, the Alturas Chamber’s Secretary/Director. “She spent 40 years as a Modoc County employee, with her last 24 years as the County Clerk”.
For the parade float competition there were 5 categories to enter, and 9 winners in total. The VFW Veterans and Family float was the overall Sweepstakes winner. In the Commercial category, C8 Custom Metal took 1st place and JavaDoc/Shipright took 2nd place. In the Car category, Dave Crenshaw took 1st place. In the Equestrian category, the Lake County Roundup Queen took 1st place and the Modoc County Queen Court took 2nd place. In the Youth category, the Modoc Youth Football float took 1st place. Finally, in the Civic/Service category, the Alturas Elks Lodge took 1st place and the VFW Auxiliary took 2nd place.
This year’s after parade festivities took place at the Alturas Rotary Fields for the first time ever! While it was hot out there, it was another amazing turnout and the community responded well to the change of location. The Rotary Fields were lined up with the Classic Car and Motorcycle show, there was live music, a “Kids Corner” with games and water toys and just about 30 vendors in total. Everything from food vendors, small businesses sharing their goods, informational booths and more.
The Fandango Days celebration has been happening since 1963, allowing the community to come together to celebrate our independence, freedom and the big spirit of Modoc and the U.S.A.; it is one that is cherished and loved by many.
Photos of Parade Winners Provided by Dianna Bass
