First responders are the Chester 4th of July Parade Grand Marshalls
By Gregg Scott
Staff Writer
No one is exactly sure why, but the annual migration to Chester was quite a bit larger than the past few years. Of course, the dreaded ‘Covid’ shutdown had some effect and maybe the devastation of the Dixie Fire brought many longtime visitors up to see it in person, but general consensus seems to be that both locals and tourists alike are just ready to get out and celebrate, especially on Independence Day.
By 10 o’clock on Monday morning the Main Street of Chester from the Collins Pine Lawn to the Bidwell House was packed, shoulder to shoulder, with folks waiting to watch the annual Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade. The Grand Marshalls of the parade this year were riding on a 40-foot flatbed to accommodate the nine first responders that represented the hundreds plus that helped keep our community safe during the Dixie Fire. Many residents have voiced the idea that without these people we wouldn’t even be having this parade.
Fire engines and equipment from local, state and federal agencies followed their representatives on the truck with an abundance of floats and entries all thanking them. There were a multitude of classic vehicles to treat the eyes of most any car enthusiast. Equine entries are always a joy to watch, bands playing live music, gymnastic and dance teams, local businesses and service organizations and even a plethora of off-road vehicles were there, just to name a few. There was even a visit from neighboring Lassen County Royalty with 2021 Miss Lassen County Alliyah Yerington, Ambassadress Emmalee Rotlisberger and Princess Georgia Bennett attending with their entourage.
It should be mentioned that the festivities don’t stop when the parade is finished. Most attendees migrate to the Chester Park where the Lake Almanor Elks Lodge 2626 was hosting a crafts fair with music, food and entertainment added to the mix. Another reason to be at the park was to watch as the Rotary Club of Chester dumped the thousand plus little yellow ducks into the Feather River so they could swim their race in the Great Feather River Duck Race. All in all, what a day of celebration and what a great sight to see so many folks out having a good time.
Main Street Chester can barely accommodate the thousands of people waiting for the start of the 2022 Lake Almanor Area chamber of Commerce 4th of July Parade. Looking east from the Collins Pine lawn the highway is lined with folks two tiers deep in many places. Photo by Gregg Scott
Members of Chester Boy Scout Troop 36 introduce the 2022 Lake Almanor Area Chamber Parade. From left are Assistant Scout Master Andrew Edwards with scouts Wyatt Strange, Seth Linn and Cash Monteith. Photo by Gregg Scott
If you are featuring first responders to the Dixie Fire in Chester, you must have a Chester Fire Truck in the parade. This ladder truck is a perfect entry for the Chester Fire Department. Photo by Gregg Scott
With all the classic car enthusiasts in Plumas and Lassen County it is no wonder that every parade in the area is never short on vehicles from all decades, makes and models. Some say it’s a chance to let your mind drift back to the days of real cars. Photo by Gregg Scott
What parade would be complete without an equestrian entry? Well, the Chester Parade had several. This shiny black horse was really strutting its stuff for the crowds. Photo by Gregg Scott
