Lucerne Valley holds Independence Day parade, fireworks show

By KRIS REILLY
EDITOR

Little things like two-alarm fires and major surgeries don’t get in the way of Lucerne Valley showing off its patriotism.

The annual Independence Day Parade went off without a hitch on July 4, organized by the Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce with a theme of “Red White and Blue, We Love You.”

The Lucerne Valley Moose Lodge had its float ready to go despite the fact that the lodge recently suffered a major fire.

“I guess a significant amount of (the float) did burn, but they were able to get together a very presentable float,” said event organizer Jean Magee, the Chamber of Commerce vice president.

Magee herself faced a challenge, having hip replacement surgery a couple of weeks before the event. Magee still made it to Pioneer Park to announce the winners.

The Moose Lodge tied for first in the float division. The overall winner was Outriders Equestrian and Camping Club with its “Generations of Lovin’ the Red, White and Blue” presentation. See the end of this story for a complete list of winners.

The town gathered at Pioneer Park the previous night for the “Red, White and Boom!” event put on by County Service Area 29.

About 3,000 people attended the event, which featured music, food and drink vendors, games and a fireworks show with a finale that wowed the crowd.

San Bernardino County third District Supervisor Neil Derry, who helped secure the funding for the event, sang Frank Sinatra songs before The Big Fat Steve Band performed its unique brand of old-time rock and roll.

“All the feedback I’ve gotten has been very positive,” said CSA 29 employee Sharon Fritz.

PARADE WINNERS
TOP AWARDS

Sweepstakes Pick
Outriders part one: “Generations of Lovin’ the Red, White and Blue”

Judges’ Pick
Brian Grimes, 1968 American LaFrance Fire Engine

Chamber Pick
Red Hat Classy Lassies: “Red, White and Blue, Red Hat Classy Lassies Love You”

Chairman’s Pick
VFW Post 5551 Commander Tom Pugleice Five-Ton Army Truck

COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
First Place: American Legion Post 879 Commander Lee Rasmussen Five-Ton Army Truck

Second Place: Jim And Terri Conrad 1967 Crown Fire Engine

FLOATS
First Place (Tie): Lucerne Valley Moose Lodge

First Place (Tie): Lucerne Community Table

Second Place: USA Septic and Drain: “Red, White & Blue, We Love All of You”

MOTORCYCLES
First Place: Christian Motorcyclist Association

EQUESTRIAN GROUPS
First Place: Outriders Part Two, the mounted portion.

Second Place: Los Potros Zainos, “The Dancing Horses”

YOUTH GROUPS — BICYCLES
First Place: Crossoads BMX

YOUTH GROUPS — CHEER AND DRILL
First Place: L.V. High School Cheerleaders

CLASSIC CARS
First Place: J.L. Abercrombie and his bright red 1936 Terraplane

TRACTORS
First Place: High Desert Antique Power Association, 15 vintage tractors

GRAND MARSHALS
Bob and Gert McDougal

HONORARY MAYOR
Woody Hart