Los Alamos Old Days returned to Bell Street for 2023, drawing huge crowds again.
On Sunday morning, the small town’s parade for the 77th annual Old Days celebration traveled south along Bell Street.
Approximately 40 entries participated in the procession once dubbed the “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.”
Entries for Sunday morning’s procession included veterans, tractors, horses, students, dancers and musicians.
Jim Glines, whose grandfather was born in Los Alamos, returned to serve as parade announcer for the procession that followed Ron Earl’s rendition of the national anthem.
“I’ll tell you, you want to talk about tradition and patriotism, you need to come to a parade in a town like Los Alamos,” he said.
“You’ll never see a better display than you’re looking at right this minute.”
Los Alamos Old Days Days parade grand marshal Laura Beas-Diaz waves to spectators during the Sunday procession along Bell Street. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
A rider with the New Generation Cowgirls waves from atop a horse being led on Bell Street for the Los Alamos Old Days Parade on Sunday. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
A New Generation Cowgirls cowgirl waves from her miniature horse during the Los Alamos Old Days Parade. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Santa Barbara County Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson drives a vintage tractor during the Los Alamos Old Days Parade. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
The Orcutt Academy High School Marching Band paces itself in the Los Alamos Old Days Parade. (Janene Scully / Noozahwk photo) 
Maureen Albercht drives her vintage tractor while waving to the crowd watching Sunday’s Los Alamos Old Days Parade. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Pioneer Valley High School FFA members shout a spirited chant Sunday morning during the Los Alamos Old Days Parade. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
The Depot Bar popcorn cart rolls along Bell Street during the Old Days Parade in Los Alamos. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo) 
Garcia Dance Studio members perform on Bell Street during the Los Alamos Old Days Parade. (Janene Scully / Noozahwk photo) 
Righetti High School FFA members ride along the Los Alamos Old Days Parade route Sunday morning. (Janene Scully / Noozhawk photo)
Riding in a place of honor as grand marshal of this year’s parade was Laura Beas-Diaz, who has been active in various aspects of the Los Alamos community, including serving as Los Alamos Foundation coordinator, secretary of the Olga Reed School PTSA and much more.
Last year, a permit problem kept Old Days off the traditional location of Bell Street, the community’s main street.
Instead, parade entries participating in the 76th edition of Los Alamos Old Days, traveled on Centennial Street and ended at Waite Street.
“Old Days is a long-standing tradition that brings us all together and celebrates this community,” Glines said.
The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, which organizes Old Days, raised more than $20,000 to ensure the event could return to Bell Street, which requires a Caltrans permit since the street doubles as state Highway 135.
“I think that deserves a big big round of applause, and I think we need to help them do that again next year and keep this great parade on Bell Street in Los Alamos. California,” Glines exclaimed.
Old Days, with the theme Red, White & Country, began Friday night with a chili cook-off, live music and dancing.
Saturday’s full schedule include the Artisan Faire, car show, horseshoe tournament, cow-pie bingo and more.
The Artisan Faire continued Sunday along with a 5K run, barbecue contest and more live music.
The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club was founded in 1946 to help the community in various ways.
“If you live around here and don’t belong to that, you look them up because you’re missing something that’s a lot of fun,” Glines said.