4th of July Parade

A little history:
​ "Chester’s first parades were the Stover-McKenzie rodeo parades from 1920-1938, held near the end of July, the last one being Sunday, July 31, 1938. The next year, 1939, the recently organized Chester Women’s Club sponsored its first July 4th parade, a “Horribles” parade, a theme which they repeated in 1940.

A Chester Lions Club was founded c.1939-40 which lost steam through the war years. Officially, the Lions were “re-instituted" in 1946, and became very active in community affairs, taking over the parade from the Women’s Club and VFW, and adding the pit-roasted beef community barbecue. The defunct Almanor Art Association founded the Fourth of July Art show in 1972. Joan Sayre ran the show for the next 37 years, before it was headed over to the Lions’ ladies. The Fourth celebration was community centered until the late 1960’s, early 1970’s when advertising and the word-of-mouth-spread drew larger and larger crowds of tourists. The Lions Club dwindled in membership and was forced to pass the torch to the Elks, who later handed it off to the Chamber. "
Marilyn Quadrio

Previous Year:

The Lake Almanor Area Chamber Board of Directors would like to dedicate the 2022 4th of July Parade to the first responders who worked tirelessly during the 2021 Dixie Fire. On behalf of our communities, we thank you!
 

Your Chamber Board unanimously approved "Heroes Among Us" for the theme of the 2022 4th of July Parade. There's no question that our community has persevered through difficult times this last year. Namely, Dixie Fire evacuations and the loss of homes and businesses in Greenville, Canyon Dam, Warner Valley, along the 36 & 70, and the West Shore. But through it all, we have grown stronger and more resilient. 

It's YOU, the everyday hero...the hero among us, making a difference in this community.

To the first responder who risked their life for our communities.
To the logger who helped the firefighters create a line.
To the restaurateur who stayed open as long as possible to feed those working the fire.
To the store owners who remained open to provide essential needs.
To the lodge owner who housed the workers and made sure their rooms were cleaned.
To the volunteer who helped evacuees at shelters.
To the parent who kept their child distracted and calm for weeks.
To the Good Samaritan who housed evacuees free of charge.
​To the volunteer who searched for lost animals and provided a safe place for them.
To the generous donor who purchased gas cards for evacuees.
To the charitable and non-profit organizations who paid for evacuees essentials.
To the team who acquired funding for relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts.
To the social media admins who provided around the clock information.
To the medical professional who cared for those unable to care for themselves.

This parade's for you.