Community turns out for Bass Derby Festival parade
By Jocelyne von Strong
RIO VISTA — Locals and out of towners alike enjoyed the 73rd annual Rio Vista Bass Festival Parade on Sunday in the city’s downtown.
The weather was a still and balmy 80 degrees. Jay Huyssoon, former chief of the Cordelia Fire Protection District, served as grand marshal. Fire trucks, Shriners and local dignitaries welcomed those who cheered while lined up along Main Street. Solano County sheriff’s deputies were out in force with the department’s Bearcat emergency response vehicle. The Rio Vista Rams cheerleading squad energized the spectators with cheers and enthusiasm. The 4-H Club had a green float complete with hay bales, 4-H members and cutouts of the various pillars of their organization.
Members of the Rio Vista Volunteer Fire Department brought their Ward LaFrance antique Fire Truck No. 3, which is owned and operated by the Montezuma Volunteer Firefighters Association. The sirens work just fine on this old truck. A real crowd-pleaser was the 1920 Model T Ben Ali Paddy Wagon. As it made its way down the parade route, the Paddy Wagon (complete with a passenger in the brig) backfired randomly, making the crowd jump and cheer. Although it is October, Santa Claus made his way downtown in a bronze dune buggy, tossing handfuls of candy to youngsters (and some oldsters).
All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. crowd jump and cheer. Although it is October, Santa Claus made his way downtown in a bronze dune buggy, tossing handfuls of candy to youngsters (and some oldsters). All in all it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.