Sierra Mountain Times

  Rockin’ Washington Street was the American Made Outlaw band, which performed “Folsom Prison Blues.” Singing the song in duet, two charming little girls, Sydney Taylor, 9, (left) and Brittany Taylor, 11! 

It’s official! Sonora now has the biggest parade in California! With 162 entries, Sonora’s 52nd Mother Lode Round-Up Parade was even larger than the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena! Led by Parade Grand Marshal John Ostrom (a member of the Sheriff’s Posse since 1973, and recently honored as a Life Member), the Round-Up Parade provided over three hours of sheer excitement for tourists and residents, alike! Riding upon her horse, the 2009 Mother Lode Round-Up Queen, Ariel Diggan, 18, waved regally to the parade crowd.

Sonora’s phenomenal parade had something for everyone! Lots of music, lots of children! Lots of horses! Clowns! Classic cars, and a plethora of parade participants! The Therapy Dogs of the Sierra showed up; as did Sonora’s favorite Raiders “cheerleader,” June Price, riding in her Oakland Raiders Helmet conveyance! The Historical Sonora Pass Wagon Train even made the long journey down (or rather, up) Washington Street! The prestigious Tuolumne Cup, which goes to the top non-equestrian entry, went to Cal Fire employees union, CDF Firefighters Local 2881, who presented their Pipe and Drums Band and Honor Guard – with members coming from all parts of the state! 2009’s Mother of the Year, Pearl Opie, 81, was honored, too! Pearl has been in the Round-Up Parade every year since the early sixties when her husband, Jim, began as parade chairman! Their son, Jim Opie now follows in his dad’s footsteps as the Parade Chairman! The parade kicked off a spectacular weekend of activities which included a dinner dance Saturday night, featuring the California Cowboys, a Mother’s Day Breakfast at the Fairgrounds, Cowboy Church and two days of heart-throbbing rodeo action!! 

OUR PARADE WEEKEND RULES! 

The little cowboys and cowgirls from Kountry Kids Preschool charmed the crowd!

The Sonora High School Golden Regiment Band marches by as Dan Bugsch of Soulsbyville grills hot dogs curbside!  He was joined by his kids, Mikaela, 12, Hannah, 8, and Christian, 6; and the Scholkowfsky Family of Sonora.  Dan shared his “dogs” with those around him – and even took a couple up to the parade announcers’ table and gave them to Justin and Maryann!