Members of the Portola City Council wave and point to friends and family along the parade route. From left, Council member Phil Oels, Mayor Pat Morton and Mayor Pro Tem Tom Cooley.
The 36th annual Portola Railroad Days festival took place on a warm weekend in August, with some attendees up early to check out classic cars and hot rods at the Portola City Park on Aug. 25 during the “Classic Car Cruise In” prior to the Golden Spike Parade. Photos by Lauren Westmoreland
All stand for the American flag as Jimmy Swilling emcees the Golden Spike Parade on Aug. 25, applauding the combined local American Legion Mighty Mountaineers Post 329 and the VFW Sierra Post 3758. The color guard has marched in the Railroad Days Parade for 36 years.
Eastern Plumas Rural Fire District adds to the fun of the Golden Spike parade with two shining fire trucks and the cheerful presence of Sparky. EPRFD is now responsible for fire protection for the city of Portola.
Family Faith Ministries puts on quite the show with an all-star salute to America, complete with live music echoing from the back of the colorful float.
High Sierra Animal Rescue in Portola brings furry friends out to strut their stuff for the parade, with mascot Bogey giving out hugs and smiles to kids along the parade route.