Under a bright sun after the marine layer lifted, the small community of Los Alamos celebrated its past and present during the weekend.
The 78th annual Los Alamos Old Days celebration, with the theme of “Past Meets Present,” began Friday night and wrapped up Sunday where the schedule included an 11 a.m. parade along a mile of Bell Street as hundreds of spectators gathered on both sides of the street.
Riding in a place of honor as grand marshals were Dan and Charlene Chabot, who have lived in Los Alamos since 1973 and have been active in the community.
Before the entries began passing by, Larry Barbro’s rendition of the national anthem kicked off the parade.
The King family led the procession, continuing the family’s tradition, started in 1966, of carrying the American flag in the parade, parade announcer Jim Bray said.
While some entries represented groups and organizations, families also joined the procession with one participating in remembrance of their father, Miguel Perez, whose birthday fell on Sept. 28. He died in 2022, but had enjoyed participating in Old Days.
“What a great way to honor your dad,” Bray told group as they walked by, some riding horses and others playing musical instruments.
“Chavez family, what a wonderful, wonderful tribute to your community and to your dad,” Bray said.
Some of the parade award ribbon winners for various categories were:
- Use of theme—Elements Church
- Junior equestrian — New Generation Cowgirls
- Military — Boot-N-Chutes All-Airborne Association Color Guard
- Community service — Righetti High School FFA
- Performance group — Ballet Folklorico
- Grammar school — Olga Reed Elementary School and Orcutt Academy kindergarten through eighth-graders
- High school — Orcutt Academy High School
- Float — Surf Soccer Club
Other events during the weekend celebration included a 5K run, car show, barbecue contest and more.
The Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club spearheads the Old Days planning and execution.
While Old Days paused due to the pandemic, organizers say it’s returned to pre-pandemic levels, leading them to recruit a small force of volunteers to help during the weekend.
“Many, many hours of volunteer time, I can tell you that,” Bray said. “Thank you guys. Well done.”
Bray encourage spectators to show their appreciation for those who worked hard to make the 2024 event possible.
Started in 1946, the nonprofit group of men and women supports Los Alamos 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.
The annual Old Days celebration occurs on the last full weekend of September.
