Sierra Mountain Times

Story and photos by Greg Kristapovich

Twain Harte’s second annual July 4^th Parade and Bash was a resounding success! A huge crowd gathered well before the start of the parade, which was graced by the presence of 2008’s Miss Rodeo Oakdale, Kristin Barnhart. Also in the parade line was a vintage stagecoach from Mother Lode Ranch in Sonora, pulled by the official Sonora Pass Wagon Train mules. The parade entry winners were: 1^st place: Meyer Hideout, Inc.; 2^nd place: Mother Lode Ranch; 3^rd place: The Pooper Scoopers; 4^th place: The Shining Stars; and 5^th place: 1950 Chevy Tin Woody owned by Ray Mullane. Parade commentary was provided by announcer extraordinaire, Gary Sipperley.  Everywhere, something was going on! Face painting and removable tattoo applications; the Twain Harte Rotary barbeque; Momentum Rising played folk rock at the Rock; DYNA MO performed vintage rock and roll at the Elegant Cottage boutique. The day’s activities came to a close, delightfully, with a free showing of E.T. in Eproson Park! Quite a bodacious bash in little ‘ole Twain Harte!

Mark Twain, after a long absence, returned to Twain Harte to be in the parade! Mr. Twain is actually Michael McCaffrey, and the Sierra Repertory Theatre provided his attire.

Twain Harte Markets new owner Bob Parriott falls into he dunk tank, thanks to the excellent pitching arm of Jeff Truesdail of Oakdale. Afterwards, Mr. Parriott said he was “Cold and wet, but with a little sip of brandy this afternoon, I’ll be fine!” This was his first time in a dunk tank, but asserted: ‘I’m the new kid on the block. I’ve got a civic duty to participate in community events!”

The parade crowd disperses and fills the main street (Joaquin Gully Road) of Twain Harte.

A wild ride down the water slide!