Horses danced along Bell Street to mariachi music during Sunday’s Los Alamos Old Days Parade, celebrating the annual tradition’s 80th anniversary.
This year’s Old Days, a three-day annual festival held the last full weekend of September by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, took place with the theme “Boots, Buckles and 80 Years of Memories” to honor the event’s milestone.
The event included the “Biggest Little Parade” plus a 5K run, a car show, vendor booths and various live music.
The parade began at 11 am. traveling along Bell Street (Highway 135) from Augusta Street before ending near St. Joseph Street. Jessie Carroll from Sunny Country 102.5 and Sara Djerf from the 1880 Union Hotel served as parade announcers.
Rodeo entertainer Waylon Estes, 9, kicked the parade off by singing the national anthem, before members of various community groups participated along the route in trucks, tractors, trolleys and Mini Coopers.
Entries in the parade included the county Sheriff’s Office, Garcia Dance Studio, marching bands and FFA from both Orcutt Academy High and Righetti High schools, The Depot Bar, Cal Fire and Fourth District County Supervisor Bob Nelson.
The mariachi music was largely provided by local band Tamborazo Jalisco, who captured the atmosphere of the celebration alongside the clacking of horse hooves alongside them.
Other parade highlights included Element Christian Church, with members promoting their upcoming Pumpkin Krushin event by having youngsters dressed as the orange gourds, illuminated by the sunny sky.
Youth Ballet Folklórico group Corazón de Niño showed off their colorful dresses and hypnotizing dances during the route as well.
Additionally, this year’s parade grand marshal, Charles “Charlie” Gonzales, drove by in a Ford Model A. Gonzales was selected as the grand marshal due to his long commitment to the community, including running Charlie’s Place restaurant and serving six terms as the Men’s Club president.
Along Bell Street, several vendors sold a variety of items including jewelry, clothes, toys and food. At noon, Whiskey Bent BBQ began serving tri-tip sandwiches at the Men’s Club facility.
At Ferrini Park, kids were able to run up and down the various play areas and bounce houses, alongside the dog parade which began at noon.
The parade concluded close to noon, leaving attendees to enjoy the last day of Old Days weekend by listening to live country music at the Men’s Club, or participating in a watermelon-eating contest and water balloon toss at Ferrini Park.
Started in 1946, the nonprofit Men’s Club, with both men and women as members, supports Los Alamos Valley youths and families in various ways.
The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club also boasts a clubhouse, located at 429 Leslie St., and it’s available for rent.
