Lake Almanor Independence Day celebration has small town meaning
By Gregg Scott
Staff Writer
Some people have said that you really can’t appreciate the true meaning of an Independence Day celebration until you’ve been part of a ‘small town’ 4th of July festivity. Having watched or participated in over 30 such events, it has become very clear how much truth there is to that statement. What is currently known as the Lake Almanor Area Chamber 4th of July Parade, was originally called the Chester Rodeo Parade when it was first started in 1920. With the end of the Chester Rodeo and a transition to the local Chamber of Commerce sponsorship, the best estimate is that the Almanor Basin has been celebrating the Fourth for just over 100 years.
The size of the parade and the number of people attending has obviously grown over the years, with the California Highway Patrol estimating 25-30,ooo folks attending this year (2023). The parade itself took about 45 minutes from the color guard to the final entrant to pass by. There certainly seemed to be no lack of ‘Patriotism’ displayed by entries and spectators alike. Add in the Crafts Fair, Elks Barbeque Lunch and Fireworks Extravaganza and you have a ‘tidy little’ celebration.
The highlights of the parade were the Color Guard leading the way accompanied by several veterans in their 90s. Grand Marshal this year was Prattville resident and well-known Chef, Carol Franchetti. Franchetti has been ultra involved in Lake Almanor events for many years and for the past several years has been the primary force behind the Chester Community Supper program as well as the Almanor Basin Food Pantry. Just as in years past, the parade included a myriad of mostly local businesses and groups from churches, service organizations, dance and gymnastic groups and Firefighting units from many agencies. There was even an equestrian entry.
Moments before the Lake Almanor Chamber ‘4th of July Parade’ started, this is the way Main Street looked. Due to the turn in the road at the Feather River Bridge, this photo only represents about two-thirds of the parade route. Photos by Gregg Scott
Here are just a few of the veterans that helped lead the parade. Between the Color Guard and attending veterans, every branch of the United States Armed Forces was represented and a good guess would be that there were many more among the spectators.
Long time Lake Almanor (Prattville) resident and owner of Carol’s Prattville Café, Carol Franchetti, was chosen by the community as the 2023 4th of July Parade Grand Marshall. Franchetti is involved in many local events and a force behind the Chester Community Suppers. She was also one of the founders of the Almanor Basin Food Pantry. Congratulations!
Fire units representing local, state and federal agencies including Chester Fire, Cal-Fire and the United States Forest Service are a huge part of the parade and they are so important to the safety of our rural communities.
The parade is always livened up with the music offerings by the band from the Lake Almanor Community Church.
No parade would be complete without at least one beautiful equestrian entry. This might make your mind drift back to the Rodeo Parade days.
The Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce always wants to thank the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol for all their help in keeping our roads safe and especially on special days like this. Sheriff vehicles, CHP cruisers, SUVs, motor units and even bicycles moved traffic around Main Street and patrolled the parade route.
Good for you, sharing that.