Youth Day 2024

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The Youth Day legacy of Mike Sebastian

By Angela Underwood Express correspondent

Last spring, Mike Sebastian called Carol McMasters-Stone to grant her the honor of being the grand marshal of the 2023 Winters Youth Day Parade.

But this year, the long-time chairman of the notable community parade is not here to pass on the honor to the next grand marshal since passing away before the year ended in December 2023. Instead, the Winters Youth Day committee is honoring his legacy by naming him the Honorary Grand Marshall in memoriam.

Sebastian’s voice will both be missed on the phone and leading the 87th annual procession, according to McMasters-Stone, who has served two decades on the Youth Day Committee.

“Mike will not be announcing the parade this year,” McMasters-Stone said. “That’s probably the hardest part of all of this. He had a distinctive voice, and I’ll miss hearing him describing the parade.”

The Youth Day Board of Directors posted a tribute to Sebastian on the annual parade website, calling the former president the “heart and soul” of the procession.

“This year marked Mike’s 46th year of remarkable commitment,” the tribute reads. “The void left by his absence will undoubtedly make navigating this year particularly challenging.”

Though Sebastian will not be present, his presence will still be felt on Main Street.

“There will be a memorial float for Mike in the parade, a plaque for his family, and we have named our parade sweepstakes the Michael Sebastian Parade Sweepstakes award,” McMasters-Stone said of the no-entry-fee pa-

rade, welcoming anyone to join.

Sebastian’s literal labor of love is also missed, with McMasters-Stone saying, “We all have to work harder because we don’t have him to help out.”

“He was also really good at working through any conflicts we might have and smoothing over the edges,” McMasters-Stone said. “Anyway, we want this to be the best Youth Day it can be, so we’re pulling out the stops, and the entire committee is working really hard to get things done.”

Founded in 1933 by Reverend Charles P. Barkman and Dr. A.M. Herron, Winters Youth Day teaches young people about the aspects of city government by giving them a week of hands-on experience with their elected city officials. Adolescents get elected adoration with a parade at the end of the week with the spotlight on them and them only.

“Youth Day’s primary mission is to familiarize students, hopefully our future

“I became friends with his daughter, Katie Sebastian, while we were in the 4th grade. Ever since I first met Mike, he treated me like one of his girls. Always loved having me over at his house. He would always call me daughter and I would call him dad. He is very much missed. Never forgotten.”

Angela Otte

leaders, with City government and how it operates,” McMasters-Stone said.

The 2024 event marked a milestone for the Youth Day festivities. After talking with the school district and the city, Sebastians dream of seeing the Youth City Council and civic engagement was finally set to be re-introduced in a new model.

Crystal Apilado, Express editor and Youth Day board member, took over the reigns to planning to revive the Youth City Council and Civic Engagement Day at City Hall event on April 18.

“I was really inspired last year when Mike and I began brainstorming ways to bring this tradition back. I was able to participate in it when I was in high school and it’s still one of those very memorable experiences,” Apilado said.

“After Mike died, a fire was lit under me and I was motivated to ensure that this became a reality — not just for Mike’s sake but to bring value and meaning back to the experience for local youth.

Winters Youth Day inevitably brings families together on the sidelines as they cheer on the faux officials and decorated floats. Not to mention the Kiddie Parade, which welcomes the youngest Winters citizens to get involved. Children get creative with categories at the corner of Fourth and Main, including decorated bikes, costumes, wagons, pets, groups, and mini-floats.

“When we can get people together in a family-friendly, fun environment, that’s good for the community,” McMasters-Stone said. “Getting out, seeing old friends, and catching up and meeting new people helps a community connect.”

Another one of Sebastian’s goal was to see students work on floats to enter in the Main parade. He got the ball rolling, and with help and collaboration from the new Winters High School Youth Day Club and Winters school district staff there will be a handful of student-created floats making an appearance in the parade this year.

McMasters-Stone welcomes all of Winters to “come on out and play some games, eat some great food, and have a good time” at the parade, which awards cash prizes,

trophies, and ribbons. Immediately after the parade, participants and families continue the fun at the Youth Day Vendor Fair, where booths line the lawn and food trucks serve excellent local fare.

According to McMasters-Stone, the large-scale event welcomes volunteers who help keep the strong tradition alive. The only time Winters Youth Day has not been celebrated since 1933 was during World War II and COVID-19 pandemic because Sebastian never gave up making it happen.

“He loved the history and tradition and tried to keep everything going,” McMasters-Stone said. “He honestly cared about people and he cared about Youth Day and all the other activities he was involved in, which made it easy to volunteer with him because he was good at what he was doing.”

Community remembers

Mike Winters residents shared some of the Youth Day memories of Sebastian with the Express.

Angela Otte said he was like family.

“I became friends with his daughter, Katie Sebastian, while we were in the fourth grade. Ever since I first met

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Michael Sebastian hands out a parade award.

Mike, he treated me like one of his girls. Always loved having me over at his house. He would always call me daughter and I would call him dad. He is very much missed. Never forgotten,” Otte said.

Jude Kratzer said the community needs “more Mike Sebastians in this town.”

“I helped out with the Youth Day setup for about five years back in the day. I remember Mike Sebastian as being pretty mellow and always personable with stories of youth day past. He knew the ins and outs of the steps to create a successful Youth Day event for all the town to enjoy,” Kratzer said. “Mike definitely put his heart and soul into the civic duties he took on. Whether it was “assisting’ Santa during the city tree lighting, hearing his voice during the multiple local sporting events, or announcing the parade entries that brought joy to this small town.”

One of Kratzer’s vivid memories about Sebastian was how he would show appreciate for parade volunteers.

“One of my simplest mem-

ories of Mike with the Youth Day setup was you could always count on him to be in front of City Hall with two dozen donuts first thing the day of the parade, giving treats to us that set up the barriers and prepped for the parade stage to be ready to give the town another suc-

cessful Youth Day memory,” Kratzer said.

While no one can fill Mike Sebastian’s shoes, what can be promised is every foot that marches in the parade this year is truly in honor of the man who made it happen for decades.

Editor’s note

I cannot fully express my gratitude for the opportunity to work with Mike Sebastian on all things Youth Day. From serving as the Youth Judge in 1999 to working with him again as an adult to market the event in the newspaper — his passion to engage students and celebrate youth and one’s inner youth was like no other.

I joined his efforts to bring youth back into the spirit of Youth Day and provide a civic engagement opportunity, and I told him I would fiercely support the effort to make it a reality.

After the revival of the Youth City Council meeting and the inaugural Youth Civic Engagement Day at City Hall on April 18, it is bittersweet to have experienced it without him.

This Youth Day special edition is dedicated to Mike Sebastian, as well as the entirety of the 2024 Youth Day event.

The Youth Day committee wanted to embody his Youth Day legacy and we all agreed to rename the Parade Sweepstakes award in his honor. We are also going to dedicate the last duck in the Duck Derby in his memory as well.

There are a lot of Youth Day traditions on the schedule, as well as some new ones and some revived ones that you can enjoy.

I hope you’ll join us in celebrating him this Youth Day, and will join us in the efforts for the next Youth Day event.

— Crystal Apilado, Editor-in-Chief

2024 Youth Day Events Schedule

Friday, April 26

The 10th Annual Duck Derby is being rescheduled to Saturday, June 15. More details to follow.

Youth Day Opening Ceremonies

• 7 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater stage behind Winters Community Center

• New stage dedication with Kenneth Matheson

• Grand Marshal and Educator of the Year honorees

• Royal Youth Consul coronation ceremony

• Shirley Rominger Intermediate School Talent Show Finalists Showcase

Saturday, April 27

Rotary Pancake Breakfast

• 7 to 9:30 a.m. at Winters Community Center

Michael Bazan Jimenez & Noah Lichwa Memorial Fun Run

• 8 to 10 a.m. at 5 E. Abbey St. (Abbey and Railroad Street)

Kiddie Parade

• 8:45 a.m. Kiddie Parade Registration

• 9:45 a.m. Kiddie Parade starts down Main Street

Main Parade

• 10 a.m. This year’s parade route starts at Fourth and Main Street. It will go down Main Street, and turn left at First Street. The route ends at Edwards Street.

Kiddie Faire

• 12 to 4 p.m. at Little League field

• Food and Crafts in the Park

• 12 to 4 p.m. at Winters City Park

Stage Schedule I

• Noon to 1:30 p.m.

• Diaper Derby

• Hula Hoop competition

• DJ Freeze Dance

• Red Light, Green Light

• Donut Eating Contest

Youth Day Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser

• 1 p.m. at Hoobys Brewing, 9 E. Main St., Suite J

WHS Alumni Baseball Game

• 1 p.m. at WHS varsity baseball field

Parade Awards

• 2 p.m. on Winters City Park stage

Stage Schedule II

• 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Fashion Show (crepe paper)

• Karaoke Singing contest

Courtesy photo

Mike Sebastian had been involved in Youth Day since high school.

Bringing value to Youth Council, Royalty roles

The 2024 Winter Youth Day event is a pivotal point in its history. The Winters Youth Day committee began meeting with representatives from Winters Joint Unified School District and the city of Winters to collaborate on ways to get youth involved again. From building floats with crepe paper and paper flowers to reviving the youth civic engagement tradition from years past – Youth Day President Mike Sebastian had big goals.

Student apathy was at an all-time high regarding running for the Youth Council or riding in the parade in the royal court. The 2023 Council and Royal Court experienced last-minute cancellations and absences. Plus efforts to build floats were

considered too extra in the scheme or testing, projects and other extracurricular activities.

With support from Superintendent Rody Boonchouy, City Manager Jeremy Craig and Council Member Carol Scianna, the Winters Youth Day committee began rethinking what the youth involvement portion could look like and ideas began to take root and bloom.

Youth Council

Winter Youth Day was originally founded to teach young people about city government.

The event was started in 1933, by Reverend Charles Barkman and Winters High School Principal A.M. Herron to teach high school students how a city and elections operate.

For the first 50 years, students ran an election at the high school to begin to elect youth to local government positions on the Youth Day Council by their peers. The elected students would spend time during the school day to shadow their

counterparts on the Winters City Council for a week and in later years, would run a council meeting and pass resolutions. Then, on the final Saturday of April, the youth council members would be honored by the parade, where they would ride

alongside the city council. The practice of shadowing their counterparts and running a Youth City Council meeting had come to a stop at some point in the early 2000s. Instead, the

See

ROLES, Page 12 Vidali Ceja, acting City Manager, Atlas Roehrs, City Attorney, and Julian Bermudez, middle school Council Member.

Crystal Apilado/ Winters Express

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2024 Youth Council and Royalty

JAPANTOWN MONUMENT DEDICATION DAY EVENTS

MAY 4, 2024

11 AM

1:30 PM

2 PM

BUDDHIST SERVICE AT THE WINTERS CEMETERY

TAIKO DRUM PERFORMANCE AT ROTARY PARK

JAPANTOWN DEDICATION AT ROTARY PARK GAZEBO

THE WINTERS MUSEUM (13 RUSSELL ST.) WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM, FEATURING THE LOST JAPANESE COMMUNITY EXHIBIT

Our family and our employees are proud to have supported Winters Youth Day for over 84 years.

Winters

Continued from Page 6

Youth Council would attend a luncheon with their counterparts and on occasion take a trip to the state capitol.

In 2023, Boonchouy and Sebastian met and began discussing how to shift back to the original intention of getting students more involved in a civic engagement experience and allowing them to interact with local government officials.

Unfortunately, Sebastian died in December 2023 and the group worked to keep the momentum going.

Winters High School students formed a Youth Day Club and began taking over some of the tasks from the WHS student leadership class including the Youth City Council and royalty elections. Working with Winters Express Editor-in-Chief Crystal Apilado, they finalized a listing of expectations and a list of activities the Youth City Council and Royalty would perform in their roles. They also began working to include Winters Middle School leadership students.

The new revamped Youth City Council featured Mayor Eden Miller, Freshmen Council Member Vanessa Gonzales, Sophomore Council Member Aylin Ochoa, Junior Council Member Sariah Soriano, WMS Council Member Julian Bermudez, City Attorney Atlas Roehrs, City Manager Mikenzie Hapworth-Eldridge, City Clerk Aydarri Seth, Police Chief Serena Husted, Fire Chief Mayra Borges, Public Works Director Jackson Bronson, Community Development Jordan Skaggs and Treasurer Vidali Ceja.

Although the trip to the state capitol was nixed due to an injury of the school district staff member who was

going to accompany them, the Youth Council did get to participate in the inaugural Youth Civic Engagement Day at City Hall on Thursday, April 18.

The Youth Council learned about the interworkings and roles of city staff members, observed some demonstrations at the City Corporation Yard, and conducted a Youth City Council meeting in the Winters City Council chamber.

The agenda topics discussed included a collaboration between city public safety officials and the school district to educate students about the dangers of fentanyl and drugs and to create a more transparent method for community members to report potholes and other pavement emergencies.

At the meeting, the royal representatives helped sit in for the Sophomore Council Member and Community Development roles. Additionally, Treasurer Ceja served as the Acting City Manager in the absence of the Youth City

Manager at the meeting and announced the 2024 Youth Day Educator of the Year.

For the first time, WMS leadership students were invited to participate in making public input statements at the Youth City Council Meeting. Paula Manners, Carmella Wroten, Sophia Dreyer, Giselle Murillo and Bubba Hernandez made multiple statements on different agenda items, as well

Youth Day Sweetheart tradition was revamped in 2005 when Winters High School students elected Piedad Junoz as the first Sweethunk, in addition to the Sweetheart.

Each WHS Class would nominate a Prince and Princess to represent their year on the Royal Court. From those eight candidates, a Sweetheart and a Sweethunk are chosen. The Royal Court is recognized in a coronation at the Opening Ceremony the Friday before Youth Day, and they would ride in the Main Parade.

For the 2024 event, a discussion was had about whether or not to discontinue the Royalty tradition since it was simply a title and had no civic engagement involved. However, concerns were expressed that if the Royalty option was removed it would exclude students who would otherwise not participate in the Youth Day opportunity. Apilado said she had an interest in turning the Royalty roles into a Youth Day marketing opportunity. The 2024 royalty experience was switched up. Any WHS student could apply for a royalty role, regardless of grade level or gender. The Royalty would work with the Winters Express to help create videos, photos and other marketing-related efforts.

as non-agenda items. Mayor Bill Biasi also joined in and made a public statement about Youth Day traditions and thanked the group for helping to lead the way.

Royalty

The Youth Day Royal Court had been a long-standing tradition since the second Youth Day celebration in 1934 when Mildred Clark was honored as the first Sweetheart. The

Although the marketing piece wasn’t fully completed for the 2024 event, the Royal Court was renamed the Royal Youth Consulate, with the first two Royal Consul members being Karen Covarrubias and Alison Gamboa.

The Royal Consuls attended the youth civic engagement event with the Youth City Council. Covarrubias filled in as a council member on the dais and engaged in discussion on agenda items, while Gamboa in the Community Development role and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

ABOVE: Fire Chief Jack S. Snyder III shares about his role and how it impacts the community.

BELOW: Assistant City Attorney Martin de los Angeles gives Youth Attorney Atlas Roehrs tips for the meeeting.

Rotary Pancake Breakfast connects locals, supports community

By Logan Chrisp Express staff writer

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast is a staple of the Winters community and serves as a community favorite start to the Winter Youth Day festivities on Saturday morning. Held at the community center for nearly six decades, the Rotary Pancake Breakfast is where members of the community can once again come and reconnect.

Whether you’ve been a longtime member of the Winters community or a newcomer, the Rotary Pancake Breakfast is an amazing event for the whole town to celebrate the beginning of Youth Day.

“It brings the community together, and it is where people see and talk to people they haven’t seen in a while (...) people look forward to the Rotary Breakfast and it gives them time to relax, meet old friends and then walk down to the parade,” says Charley Wallace, a Rotary Club of Winters member and longtime volunteer for the event.

Wallace has been running or volunteering for the event for the past seven years. He has been connected to the annual pancake breakfast, as well as Youth Day, since his early years.

“I grew up in Winters and was the Youth Day mayor when I was a senior in high school, so I’ve always gone to the breakfast. After I joined Rotary, I became more involved,” says Wallace.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast facilitates old and new community members to meet every year. What better way for the community to connect than over a plate of freshly made pancakes and coffee?

However, it’s no easy task

to run the Rotary Pancake Breakfast. It takes a small army of volunteers to prepare, cook, and serve the food. It’s not just pancakes at the event, after all. Sausages, eggs, fruits and drinks are also served to over 625 people who show up every year for the Rotary Breakfast, so lots of helping hands are needed every year.

It takes over 30 volunteers to put on the annual breakfast event, consisting of a mix of Rotarians and Winters firefighters who work with alongside each other every year to make the breakfast happen.

“A few years ago, former (Fire) Chief Brad Lopez initiated the Department’s involvement in the Pancake Breakfast with the help of a couple of volunteers and a trailer full of supplies to aid with cooking,” says Tyler Hagly, the Association Presi-

dent of the Firefighter Association.

“What started with a few volunteers has grown, most notably being last year’s Pancake Breakfast in which seven members of the Winters Fire Department were helping out, and then three more joined after responding to an incident that morning,” Hagley continued.

It’s thanks to community members like Hagly and Wallace who take time out of their busy schedules to make the breakfast come together, as well as local businesses like Putah Creek Cafe and Buckhorn Steakhouse, who help donate supplies for the breakfast.

“Most of the credit goes to the Buckhorn and the Putah Creek Cafe for getting their suppliers to donate a lot of the food,” said Wallace.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast, after all, doesn’t

Anderson and others, and as Harold got older, I took over more and more of the responsibilities. John Donlevy helped me for years, especially running the fire department’s mobile kitchen. Jack Vickrey is a big help, and other Rotarians step up to make sure everything runs smoothly,” said Wallace.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast has always been a way to bring the community together in one place, as well as celebrating what makes our town great.

just serve as a way to get together to kick off the Youth Day festivities. Since the inaugural Pancake Breakfast, it’s been a way for the Winters Rotary to raise money for the community.

“The money raised is divided between Rotary and the firefighters, depending on how many volunteers show up. The Rotary Club of Winters uses the money for community projects and scholarships,” says Wallace. So when you’re buying that ticket for breakfast, it is not just for a plate full of fluffy pancakes. It’s also giving back to the Winters community.

The Rotary Pancake Breakfast is a staple for Youth Day, an event that has lasted for so long because of how it serves the community, and because of stalwart community members who ensure it happens every year.

“At first, I helped Harold

“The festivities are not limited to the youth, with people from the entire community of Winters partaking in the Breakfast, watching the parade with friends, and enjoying the variety of vendors among the other things offered,” says Hagly. “Within that lies the importance of both the Breakfast as well as Youth Day as a whole – it is a time to celebrate with our entire community. As for the Winters Fire Department, Youth Day gives us another way of providing service to the people we love and respect in our beautiful town.”

Those who are brand new to Winters should consider attending the Rotary Pancake Breakfast as a way to connect with longtime community members. And longtime locals can come down and chat over a big plate of pancakes and coffee and connect with other members of the community who make the town special.

The pancake breakfast will be held at the Winters Community Center on Saturday, April 27, and runs from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Email WintersRotary@gmail.com to order tickets, or stop by the Winters Museum during business hours and ask to speak with Charley Wallace.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo

The Rotary Club of Winters has hosted the annual pancake breakfast for nearly six decades.

Winters Youth Day history — year by year

Express staff

History of Youth Day as compiled by students in the late 60s and provided to the Express by parade officials. The summaries for Winters Youth Day between 1968–1990 and 2011–2018 were compiled by Mike Sebastian. Express staff have served as historians since.

1933

Back in 1933 Rev. C.P. Barkman, local Presbyterian pastor, and Dr. A.M. Herron, high school principal had a consultation. They discussed a lot of ideas and held some conferences. The observance of the first Youth Day began on April 29, 1933. These professionals believed that youth should have some training for future civic, business and so-

cial obligations. They also had heard the adage about all work and no play, etc. The two founders incorporated support for a parade, competitive games, a bountiful picnic luncheon and general sociability along with a citizenship program to accomplish their aims. They enlisted business and social organizations’ help.

1934

Modes of conveyance were used in various forms, with the horse and buggy much in evidence. There were single and double rigs, horseback riders, buggies, and surreys in the trappings of the Gay ’90s; baby buggies of yesterdays and toy wagons. The parade was said to be a halfmile long. Union District School took first prize. Doc-

tor Ira. B. Cross, head of economics at the University of California, was speaker, and Anack Carando was mayor. Councilmen were Bill Sale, Bill Duncan, Burt Scribner, Philip Ritchie and Roger Riesbeck; clerk was Millicent Burge; treasurer was Martha Fenn; and judge was Vernon Hannon.

1935

Fifty entries took part in the parade and for the first time neighboring towns entered floats. Bill Duncan was mayor and Judge Grant Burton gave a speech on citizenship and America.

1937

Lt. Governor Hatfield was the speaker, and the mayor was Herman Meyer. Councilmen were: Goodwin Horigan, Alicia Conard, Willie Guthrie, Douglas Fenley, Jack McKenzie and Herbert Connor Jr.; clerk was Barbara Gwartney; treasurer was Elda Button; and judge was Rene Rossi.

1938

1936

Governor Frank Merriam was the guest speaker on the Possibilities of Youth. The governor remained for the night show. Eddie Baker was mayor.

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We o er silk screen,

It rained that year, but a thousand people attended. Rev. Barkman had departed to another field of labor, and Dr. A. M. Herron took over the general chairmanship. For the first time, guest mayors were chosen from other schools. They were among

the guests on the platform at the citizenship hour. Oscar Holmes was acting mayor and Dr. T. W. McQuarrie, head of San Jose Teachers’ College, was the speaker, Councilmen were: Mildred Thomson, Laura Gale, Bettymae Niemann, Violet Siranian, Jack Muro and Wayne Sharp; Jean Wehrman was clerk; Wayne Clark, judge; Jean Griffin, treasurer. Elwin Martin was chairman of the evening show.

1939

A new attraction and one in which many were interested was the model airplane contest, directed by W. R. Pugh. Jack Mermod was mayor and Judge John Pullen gave a fine speech about Youth in the Changing World. Councilmen were:

1940

Administering civic affairs for the day were Don Clark, George Pede, Claire Peterson, Dorothy Martin, Alfonso Carrion, Bert Coman and Elmer Scott. A new feature was the SCAL track meet that drew many spectators in the afternoon. Edgar Yarberry was the mayor for the day.

1941

A record crowd of 2,500 was present. The last pre-

the mumps, his good friend, Charley Graf, stood in for him that day.

1946

A monster parade and program full of events marked the first observance in five years. Henry Church was mayor. Officials were Albert Koolhoff, Donald Rominger, Marilyn Vasey, Kenneth Farnsworth, Marian Cecil, Bob Gardner and John Griffin. Henry Votaw, the representative sent by Governor Earl Warren, gave a brief message.

1947

The crowd was estimated at between 5,000 and 6,000 people. Lloyd Islip was may

Robert Gale, Edgar Yarberry, Alfonso Carrion and Boyd Hall; clerk, Bert Coman; Henry Gutierrez, treasurer; and Harry Fredericks, judge.

The VFW Post 11091 presents the flags in the 2017 Youth Day Parade.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

Herman

Ramos was Youth Day mayor; Anna Reiff was judge and Bob Draper, city clerk. Officials were Pat Biasi, Wanda Henley, Jean Ramos, Jim Snodgrass, Keith Farnsworth, Manuel Ramos, L.

Craft

Welch, L. Warren, Eugene Gale and M. Clark. For the first time since 1936, Winters was honored by having the governor of California, Earl Warren, for Youth Day. Aerial bombs, two of them, heralded the start of the day.

Five thousand people attended.

1950

Juliann Burket, Youth Day sweetheart, and Larry Warren, Youth Day mayor were the dignitaries for the day.

Newton Wallace was general chairman. Peter Knoles spoke; he was vice president of Sacramento Junior College. Governor Warren was the honored guest, and the parade was an estimated four miles long. About 7,000 people attended Youth Day, and 2,500 were at the night show. The date for Youth Day that year was April 28.

1951

The general chairman was Bob Johnson and Jean Frank was secretary. The mayor was Doyle Pinkston. Sam Fernandez was judge. Patsy Conner was clerk, Elsie Griffin was treasurer. Roger Deas, research secretary to Governor Earl Warren, was the speaker at the citizenship program. The Youth Day sweetheart was Rosemarie McKenzie. There was a baseball game and the parade route was changed to keep Railroad Avenue open for highway traffic.

1952

Angie Biasi was unanimously chosen as sweetheart in 1952. Mike Ireland won the Youth Day slogan contest with “Today’s Youth.”

John Carbahal was chosen mayor. Dorothy Watterson was city clerk; Ira Day, city treasurer; and the city councilmen were Pat Rohenkohl, Jim Kozen, George Burket and John Brinck. The attendants were Lona Cody, Anita Ramos, Edwin Potter, Nelda Bur-ket. The kiddie parade tradition was started this year. Robert R. Gros, manager of the advertising and publicity of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, was the speaker at the citizenship program. This was the sixth year that Tony Koester of KFBK broadcast the citizenship program.

1953

The mayor was John May-

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Parents work to coax their babies to race to them first in the Diaper Derby event.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

hew and the sweetheart was Sharon Goetze. The general chairman was Lloyd Adams. Max Baer, former world heavyweight champion, was the master of ceremonies at the evening program. The University of California at Berkeley’s 65-piece band gave a concert on the high school grounds after the citizenship program. They were directed by James Berdall.

1954

The population of Winters was 1,300 and 3,000 people attended the night show. Carl Ramos was chosen mayor. Carmen Cuberos was Youth Day sweetheart. Joe Verducci, director of athletics at San Francisco State, was the speaker at the citizenship program. Patsy Speeder, champion baton twirler, was chosen as the main attraction at the night show.

1955 Pearl Martin was chosen

sweetheart. The theme was “Count Your Blessings,” entered by Linda Owings. The mayor was Ray Johnson. The master of ceremonies at the night show was Jack Burton. Some 2,200 people turned out for the program.

1956

The theme was “Storyland.” The sweetheart was Ann Martin, and the mayor was Dale Corbett. The judge was Jean Schroeder, clerk was Bob Kozen, treasurer was Daphine Constant. The master of ceremonies of the night show as Eddie Bartell. A hobby show was held in the high school library. An estimated 8,500 people attended Youth Day, one of whom was Rev. Barkman, Youth Day founder.

1957

The Mayor was Jim Hyer and the Sweetheart was Isabel Rojo. The attendants were Gloria Molina, Janet

Martin, Alice Guerard and Lynn Gaddini. The theme was “Youth is Golden.” Some 5,000 people attended the festivities. Don Frisbee was general chairman. There were 10 bands in the parade. Fran O’Brien was emcee for

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the night show.

1958

The general chairman for this year was William E. Duncan. Russell Arms was the grand marshal for the parade. There were an esti-

mated 5,000 people who participated in the Youth Day activities. Knox Kirkland announced a magnificent horse show. Linda Owings was the sweetheart, and David Sparks the mayor.

City Council and Youth Council members ride in a Winters Fire Truck in the 2022 Youth Day Parade

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

1959

Ian MacKenzie was the general chairman. James West was elected mayor. In the parade, which was dampened by showers, the Youth Day officials rode in a horseless carriage furnished by the Sacramento Horseless Carriage Club. Sweetheart Janet Martin was accompanied by her four lovely attendants, Elaine Martin, Darla Guthrie, Charlene Rice and Betty Ann Carrion. Some 4,500 people participated in the day’s events.

1960

Girl Scouts in Troop 2361 ride in the parade holding signs of possibly careers in the 2014 Youth Day Parade.

The Winters youth were placed in charge of Youth Day this year, under the guidance of Miles Wemp, high school counselor. The Chamber of Commerce no longer ran Youth Day, but continued to contribute financially to the enterprise. The first youth to have the honor of general chairman bestowed on him was Robert Young. The Youth Day mayor was John Martinez and the sweetheart was Lynn Gaddini, along with Anna Manas, Pat Allsip, Judy Allsip and Roulou Reeves as sweetheart attendants. The council invited Governor Edmund G. Brown to attend the festivities, but unfortunately, he was unable to do so.

1961

The Youth Day General Chairman was Gene Ramos. The Mayor was George Duncan and Juanita Estepa was chosen sweetheart, along with Joanne Martinez, Geraldine Martin, Janet Watterson, and Carol Perkins, attendants. Winters had a parade that consisted of nine divisions. Dr. A. M. Herron, youth founder, was chosen to be the Grand Marshal.

1962

General Chairman was Steve Meyer. The Mayor, Jim Thomas, chose Joe Young, Douglas Baldridge, Byron Randolph, and Leland Jeffery as his councilmen. The sweetheart, Betty Carrion, was accompanied by Dannie Greenwood, Barbara Holmes, Geraldine Diaz, and Janet Watterson. “Tomorrow’s Future Through Today’s Youth” was the Youth Day theme. It was left up to the youth to choose a desir-

We

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

able theme for this festive event.

1963

Bob Chapman was chosen to be Mayor and alongside him stood Geraldine Martin as sweetheart. Robert Harris was the General Chairman for this year. The three councilmen chosen were Wilson Wallace, Dick Graf and Don Schroeder. Some 6,000 persons were on hand at the day’s activities.

1964

Don Schroeder was the General Chairman. Don Dote represented Winters High School as Youth Day Mayor, with Barbara Holmes as sweetheart. Her attendants were Joan Chapman, Diana Storz, Linda White, and Beverly Diaz. Winters was proud to have Congressman Robert Leggett attend Youth Day. Dr. Max Rafferty, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was also present.

1965

David Wemp was General Chairman this year. Tommy Ramos was chosen Mayor. Gaylene Ichtertz was chosen sweetheart and her attendants were Nancy Button, Carol Gomez, Ann Buck-master, and Dannie Greenwood.

1966

Joe Martinez was General Chairman. Mayor Floyd Shimomura escorted Sweetheart Deanne Gomez. Deanne’s attendants were Karen Humphrey, Lorraine Rominger, Kim Greenwood, and Rosanne Turkovich.

1967

General Chairman was Peter Hunter. Rudy Rodriguez was Mayor, and on his council were Bill Young, Jim Fredericks, and Stan Clark. Claudette Maxim reigned as sweetheart, and beside her were Kathy Roberts, Virginia Roberts, Lola Ra-

mos, and Susan Shimomura, attendants. The parade was improved with 120 entries, which made for a unique parade size. A Greased Pig Contest was added to our list of events.

1968

General Chairman Joe Ramos and Parade Chairman Tony Turkovich saw that the day ran smoothly. Stan Kato was elected Mayor, with Joyce Warren as Sweetheart. City Council members included Beverly Atherton, Ray Clark, David Storz, Linda Martinez and John Hart. The First Youth Day Kiddie Show took place for talented kids 13 and under. An estimated 7,000 people enjoyed the events this year.

1969

Charley Wallace was elected Mayor, with Candy Trafican as Sweetheart. City Council members for the day were Robert Kayton, John

Martin, Eva Adams, Ernie Frost. New events scheduled were a skydiving exhibition and a street dance. 7,500 People were in Winters for the festivities, according to General Chairman Bill Martin and Parade Chairman Howard Kato.

1970

Mayor Archie Humphrey presided over Youth Day with his council Pat Taylor, David Carrion, Bill Harrington, Gloria Lopez Andrea Kammerer and Rhonda Williams. Other officers included Ken Galloway, Judge: JoAnn Pitts, Treasurer and Larry Fisher, Clerk. The 1970 Sweetheart was Patty Hoskins. Her court included Gail Holabird, Sheila McGuire, Margie McGuire, and Veronica Roybal.

1971

Ellen Kammerer reigned as Youth Day Sweetheart with her court of Susan Re-

imers, Pam Lopez, Dana Duncan and Bernice Ramos.

Richard Soto served as Mayor and Stan Tufts was General Chairman. Events added to the schedule included a watermelon eating contest. A large crowd of 7,000 attended this year.

1972

Randy Washabaugh was elected Youth Day Mayor. Selected as his council was John Carbahal, Ricky Baker, Danny Martinez, Cecilia Aguiar and Patty Rominger. Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Martin were chosen as Grand Marshals for the Parade which 7,000 people watched. Debbie Gomez was crowned as Sweetheart.

1973

Joe Zaragoza took the place of City Mayor Losoya for the day. The Sweetheart was Sheila Pinkston, with her attendants Linda Keith, Glenda Estes, Ilda Garcia

and Cheryl Lorenzo. General Chairman Michael Smyth estimated crowds at over 7,000.

1974

Retired Winters Ag Teacher Lindsay Jewett led the Youth Day Parade as Grand Marshal. Joe Rominger served as General Chairman with Rene Mayes as his assistant. Ralph Rosas was elected Mayor, and Pilar Jimenez was Sweetheart. Her attendants included Glenda Tucker, Kathy Martin, Margie Shugart and Cindy Izzo. A record crowd of 700 people ate at the annual Rotary Club Breakfast.

1975

Tim Snow was elected Mayor, with his council Mike Biasi, Jesse Lizarraga, Paula Ramos, Ed Carbahal and Cyndi Garcia. The 1975 Sweetheart was Connie Javier. Her attendants included Diana Rubio, Rosie Rojas, Jennifer Franke and Stephanie Smyth. New events scheduled were a Live band and two baseball games. Jack Vasey, WHS Class of 1908, and his sister Mary Walters, WHS Class of 1907, rode as Grand Marshals of the Parade, of which 6,500 people watched.

1976

Darla Humphrey was crowned Sweetheart, with her court Patti Biasi, Kathy Graf, Sandy Wolever and Litza Thanos. Randy Jordan took top honors as Mayor. His Council included Tim Geerts, Andrew Skaggs, Lynn Brickey, Manuela Collado and Nancy Thomas. Manuela Collado also served as General Chairman, with Bill Cody her assistant. A crowd of over 7,000 was estimated for the day.

1977

Tim Geerts was elected Youth Day Mayor and Debbie Rojo was chosen Sweet-

heart. City Councilmen for the day were Clay Walker, Kelly Figy, Sarj Singh, David Snow, Keely Graf, Jeff Ingles, Ramon Lopez, Fred Turkovich, Diane Sawyer and Dan Rominger. Sweetheart attendants included Susan Martin, Lisa Ramos, Jody Graf, and Sherry Donaldson. Longtime Winters auto dealer E.J. Graf served as Parade Grand Marshal. Word was also received that the first Youth Day Mayor Bill Poppe had passed away.

1978

Bob Pisani took charge as General Chairman with Keri Graf his assistant. Levada Russell was the chosen Sweetheart with Melicia Ramos, Jennifer Muller, Wendy Gale and Keri Graf as attendants. The 1978 Youth Day Mayor was Andrew Skaggs. His council included Grace Rosas, Shannon Martinez, Jack McDowell and David Lane. High School Athletic Director John Kammerer rode as Parade Grand Marshal. A record crowd of 900 people jammed the City Hall lawn for the Rotary Pancake Breakfast.

1979

Keri Graf was a very busy person. She was elected Sweetheart as well as running Youth Day as General Chairman. Sam Biasi Jr. served as Mayor. Council members were Ed George, Ed Cody, Manuel Montenegro, Rob Warren, Britt Busby and Rex Mayes Jr. Sweetheart attendants included Gail Losoya, Helen Hemenway, Heather Konkle and Kathy Carrion. Corinne Martinez was Assistant General Chairman, in preparation for next year’s chairmanship.

1980

Mayor Mark Webster and Sweetheart Helen Hemenway took top honors this

1982

Sweetheart Carol Baylor reigned over Youth Day, with her attendants Robin Swigert, Kristen Smith, Karen Whalen and Linda Jimenez. Richard Warren was elected Youth Day Mayor and appointed the following council: Jim Borba, John Lucero, Noel Carbahal, Gary Lambeth, Mickey Johnston, Jim Barbosa and Mike Randsdell. Other elected officials were City Clerk Cyndi Griffin, Judge Sean Eldridge, and Treasurer Veronica Carrasco. Michael Delbar served as General Chairman, with Patty Thomas as his Assistant.

1983

year. Helen’s attendants were Nikki Rojo, Carol Chambers, Rhonda Spurling and Dawn Harris. Appointed City Councilmembers were George Griffin, Ben Geerts, Rex Mayes, Jeff Ingles, Mike Pisani and Scott Panzich. General Chairman Corinne Martinez was assisted by Andra Sawyer. The Youth Day Parade has 145 entries; one of the largest in quite a few years.

1981

Andra Sawyer served as General Chairman with Michael Delbar her assistant. Matt Brickey was elected Mayor and Jennifer Muller was crowned Sweetheart. Other elected officers included John Singh, clerk; Mike Sebastian, Treasurer; and Sean Eldridge, Judge. Sweetheart attendants were Sharon Wright, Stacy Stewart, Lisa Adams, and Claudette Adams. A special show, “This is your Life” was done for longtime Winters Music Teacher Lloyd Adams. The 1st annual Lloyd Adams Music Award was introduced and was given to Outstanding Senior Musician Michael Sebastian.

sen as Adult General Chairman with Tecy Philbrook the Student Assistant. Mayor John Campos and Sweetheart Charmaine Capps reigned over the festivities. Marion and Julia West rode as Parade Grand Marshals, with over 140 entries following behind. The largest parade in years was chaired by adult Mike Sebastian and student Kristen Smith. City Councilmembers elected for the day were Laurie Gray, Yolanda Delgado, Louanne Strom, Jenny Nicholson, and Cami Dandini. The Sweetheart attendants were Schell Philbrook, Nicole Ramos, Candace Lunsford and Chrissy Hill.

1985

Due to Dwindling interest at Winters High School, Youth Day was taken over this year by the Winters Chamber of Commerce. The whole format will stay the same, with the Chamber handling the organizational part of Youth Day. Chamber President Mel Norman served as Adult General Chairman, and Patty Thomas was student assistant. Youth Day was extended to a three-day event to accommodate a Carnival. The Carnival is a big financial booster for Youth Day. High school students elected to City offices were Ralph Gonzales, Mayor; City Clerk Dawn Harris, Judge Daniel Lares, and Treasurer Martha Zarate. Cara Hill was chosen Sweetheart with her court Julie Underwood, Carol Taylor, Nicole Ramos and Tammy Lambeth. Doctors Corbin and Ernie Young were chosen as Parade Grand Marshals, but sadly Corbin was killed in a plane crash the week after being selected. Ernie still rode as Grand Marshal, with a moment of silence being held for Corbin.

1984

Gilbert Sebastian was cho-

Brian Duncan was elected Mayor, making him a third-generation Youth Day Mayor. His father George was Mayor in 1961, and his grandfather Bill Duncan was Mayor in 1935. Brian’s council included Rosalynd Atherton, Elizabeth Cushman, Tania Burr, and Christy Laukkanen. Sweetheart Eva Leal was crowned, with her court Ellen Hale, Isabel Campos, Lidia Rodriguez and Jenny Ramos.

1986

Youth Day celebrates its Golden Anniversary. Due to the cancellation of Youth Day during the World War II years, we now celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Gilbert Sebastian served as General Chairman once again with his assistants Denise Ehnat and Michelle Delbar. Elected as Mayor was Richard Nitzkowski. His council included Rob Paschoal, Cliff Paul and Juan Vasquez. Sweetheart was Isabel Campos, with her court Kerrie Carner, Christina Vasquez, Teresa Rodriguez and Crystal Reid. Parade Grand Marshals

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Winters Friends of the Library dressed as book fairies in 2017.

were Marge Singleton and Mary Lee Pokrywka, daughters of Youth Day Co-founder Dr. A.M. Herron. Due to the special nature of the 50th Anniversary, there were honorary Grand Marshals as well. They were 1933 Police Chief Earl Washabaugh, 1935 Youth Day Mayor Bill Duncan, Felicia Diaz, Howard and Germaine Hupe and the Winters Volunteer Fire Department.

1987

Tom Martin took charge as General Chairman with his student assistant Wendy Pierce. Enrique Jimenez was elected Youth Day Mayor and Lidia Rodriguez was Sweetheart. City Council members were Dan Martinez, John Aguiar, Rob Paschoal, Leticia Garcia, Wendy Pierce and Virginia Rosas. Sweetheart attendants included Julia Reid, Christina Vasquez, Yasmin Fragoso

and Lupe Barrera. Retired Winters Fire Chief Vernon C. Bruhn was Parade Grand Marshal. A Bike Race was added to the list of events.

1988

Winters Youth Day saw its first female Youth Day Mayor. Julia Reid was elected to the city’s top post for the day. Her council included Jennifer Snyder, Sonia Cortes, Jennifer Smith and Virginia Snyder. Jenny Ramos was crowned Sweetheart, with her attendants Christy Lozano, Molly Mariani, Debbie Carrion and Alejandra Herrera. David Faustino from television’s Married...With Children, and his brother Michael (Touchstone Pictures’ Monster Squad) were the featured guests at the Parade and the Opening Ceremonies.

1989

Virginia Rosas takes top honors this year as May-

or, with her council Estela Rosas, Maria Cerros, Lupe Morales and Lupe Barrera. Sweetheart Carolyn Garcia was crowned, with her court Elvira Ochoa, Lupe Barrera, Laini Nance and Jennifer Snyder. Tom Martin was General Chairman and Carnival Chairman with Gloria Marion as his assistant, taking charge of all other events except the Parade. The Parade Chairmen were Mike Sebastian and Jim Marion. Retired Winters School Bus Driver Dorothy Becker rode as Grand Marshal.

1990

Citing their many years of involvement with youth and sports, the Youth Day council selected Rudy and Linda Rodriguez to be co-marshals for the parade on April 28. Members of the City Park Playground Committee were chosen to ride in the parade as honorary grand mar-

shals. General Chairman of Youth Day was Jim Marion, and Mike Sebastian, parade chairman. Annette Connelly served as mayor with council members Rita Guzman, Art Mendoza, Marla Larson, Shannon Kent and Ana Espinoza. Sweetheart Heidi Erickson reigned over Youth Day with her court of attendants: senior, Jennifer Smith; junior, Yesenia Espinoza; sophomore, Maria Rodriguez, and freshman, Evelyn Fischer. Four dignitaries from Winters sister city, Almogia, Spain, (Mike Ruiz, Angel Rubio, Cristobal Torre Blanca and Manuel Garrido) were guests of the city on Youth Day weekend.

1991

Youth Day opened officially Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m., following a rally for returning troops from Desert Storm, organized by Duane Barb and held at

Rotary Park. Introduced at opening ceremonies at the Community Center were Youth Day sweetheart Rita Guzman and her court: senior Alma Rodarte; junior Allie Harrington; sophomore Lisa Olson, and freshman Barbara Havens. Jonah Lindeman, Youth Day mayor, council members Jason McKinney and Tom Nelson, and all other Youth Day officials were introduced. This year’s general chairman was Jim Marion, assisted by Youth chair Yvonne Martinez. The parade chairman was Mike Sebastian, assisted by Dawn Branscum. The theme for the day was “Today’s Youth — Tomorrow’s Peace.” After eight years of having a carnival, Youth Day returned to the basics with a more traditional format, with major sponsors being the Winters Chamber of Commerce, City of Winters, Mariani Nut Co., But-

ton Transportation and First Northern Bank. Before the Winters High School-Alumni baseball game, the varsity field was dedicated and named for Hugh Randolph, a former teacher and varsity coach. Jenny Lester was the Youth Day poster winner, with a cash prize of $25. The first Kids Faire was held. Approximately 8,000 people attended the festivities.

1992

The 1992 Youth Day was blessed with blue skies, sunshine and all of the things that make Youth Day the event of the year in Winters: parades, food, music and a new feature, the kiddie fair. The event was dedicated to Jim Marion, the general chairperson of the event, who suffered a heart attack in the early morning on Youth Day. Happily, Jim recovered and continues to be active in the community. An-

other highlight was a tribute to Judy Montgomery during the Friday evening opening ceremonies. Montgomery, who taught dance in Winters for many years, was honored with a dance performance from her students. Each student presented Montgomery with a red rose and a hug. Montgomery, who served as the 1992 parade marshal, passed away later that year on Oct. 2.

On Saturday morning, the Rotary Pancake Breakfast attracted about 640 people. The kiddie parade drew in 350 youngsters. The main parade had 115 entries, with the usual fare of horses, floats and vintage automobiles. Following the parade, the city park was filled with people who were treated to a reenactment of an oldtime western shoot-out, live bands and tons of food. The kiddie park had singers, games and a puddle of blue

corn-starch goop that was a hit with the Pampers crowd. For those with competitive spirits, there was a horseshoe tournament and a lipsync contest. Pedro Garcia and Efrain Del Toro took first place with the horseshoes and Jonathan Pardee won first prize in the lip-sync contest. Youth Day 1992 was a success thanks to the many citizens who volunteered their time and effort, as well as the Winters Chamber of Commerce, First Northern Bank, Mariani Nut Company, Button Transportation, the Buckhorn and the city of Winters.

1993

Balmy weather and sunshine were the order of the day for the 57th annual Youth Day. The Grand Marshals were Steve and Cindy Baker. The sweetheart was Lisa Olson. The day began with the traditional Rotary

pancake breakfast, kiddie parade and main parade. The main parade had over 100 entries. The horseshoe tournament drew 64 players, with Dan and Clyde Benner of Galt taking first place. The Swan Brothers circus provided free entertainment for the youngsters, courtesy of the Winters Chamber of Commerce. Armando Del Rio and Bernard Henry won first place for their rendition of “Jump” in the lip sync contest. The high school baseball team edged out the alumni team in the alumni baseball game with a final score of 11–8. Youth Day ‘93 was coordinated by Jim and Gloria Marion, assisted by many volunteers from the community.

1994

Temperatures were in the upper 70s for Youth Day 58. Many started the day at the Rotary pancake breakfast.

The little ones started off the festivities with the kiddie parade. The floats in the main parade reflected the theme “Youth-Our Ageless Resource.” Marching bands, including the Winters High School Band and 1st place winners, the Cal Aggie Band, put on impressive shows. At the high school baseball diamond, the alumni team trampled the high school team, 11-2. The lip-sync contest was a popular event, drawing a large crowd. Jennifer Morris, Amy Lad and Lynn Sanders won first place with their rendition of “My Boyfriend’s Back.” Evening entertainment included free concert at the Winters Opera House, a youth dance at the high school gym and a Soroptimist dance at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall.

1995

Kristina Knabke was both Youth Day Mayor and

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Sweetheart as the students took over the management of the city for a day. Youth Day council embers included Sarah Hamilton, Melissa Ramirez, Amber Foster and Cody Thomson. Erin Autry was named city manager while adult Mike Sebastian and student Jenne Ehnat were parade co-chair men. The weather was perfect and the parade had over 120 entries with hundred of children participating in the kiddie parade.

1996

Big winds were the order of the day for Youth Day ‘96. The Grand Marshals were Frank and Juanita Ramos, honored for their many years of service to the community. Erin Autry was the Youth Day sweetheart and Todd Ramos served as Youth Day mayor. The big day started with the traditional Rotary pancake breakfast, kiddie

parade and main parade, and continued with activities in the park for youth. The Kid Fair provided a selection of activities for elementary and middle school students as well as craft and art tables. Katie Solorio, Katelyn Cummings and Melanie Cortez won the lip-sync contest with their rendition of a Blues Brothers song. Paul Gilpin was the winner of the chess tournament, and first place horseshoe tournament honors went to Steve and Earl Kynard. The alumni baseball team nosed out the high school team for a 7-5 victory. The evening wrapped up with a street dance, with CRB and Todd Bolton providing the music.

1997

Blue skies and sunshine made the 61st annual Youth Day parade more fun for the thousands who turned our to watch. The Grand Mar-

To commemorate the day we will be cooking fresh carnitas outside, plus everyone’s favorite Youth Day meals: tamale plate, tacos, gorditas and churros! Come and say hi! Thank you for all your continual support.

43 Main Street, Winters (530) 795-3450

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Open Daily 8am-8pm

shal was Larita Salek, who was honored for her work volunteering in the community. The morning began bright and early with the traditional Rotary Club pancake breakfast. The Kiddie Parade started things off with brightly decorated bicycles, floats and children in costumes. The main parade started at 10 a.m., with prancing horses, fancy cars and high school class floats. The 1997 Sweetheart was Jenne Ehnat, with her court, Gabrielle Harris, Cara Inns and Maegan Ireland. Inns also took on the duty of Youth Day Mayor. After the parade, crowds gathered at City Park for a variety of food choices, a Kids and Middle Ages Faire, and chess and horseshoe tournaments. Opening ceremonies were held the night before at the Community Center. Talent show winners included Gabrielle Harris, who took first

place for her dance number, The Senate, who took second place for their musical number, and the Wednesday Morning Jazz Ensemble, who took third placed for their jazzy number. The day was a success, made even better by cooperative weather.

1998

It was another windy morning as crowds braved the gusts to watch the Kiddie  Parade and main parade travel down Main and First Street. The year’s Youth Day Grand Marshal was Jay Shepard, honored for his involvement on behalf of the community’s youth. The Youth Day Honorary Grand Marshal was Ray Epling, Winters resident and 24 year teacher in the Winters School District. Brandy Alvera was the Sweetheart, who also served as the Youth day Mayor and for to spend some time learning from her

The people at Berryessa Sporting Goods are getting ready to help you have a great Youth Day. “We have everything you need to entertain family and friends,” said John Lorenzo. “If you’re going fishing or hunting, we have everything you’ll need, from bait to clothing. We have a large selection of liquor, wine and beer, all reasonably priced, with weekly specials on your favorite brands,” John added. L-R:

real-life counterpart Mayor Harold Anderson. There were more than 120 entries in the 1998 Youth Day Parade, which took more than two hours to travel down it’s route. Activities throughout the afternoon included the horseshoe and chess tournament at City Park. Other items of interest were the human bowling game and the rock climbing wall, which sees long lines of people, anxious to test their skills. Junk food galore was sold, including hot dogs, nachos, pizza and snow cones.

1999

Mother Nature was in a good mood for Youth Day 1999, with plenty of sunshine on tap. Opening Ceremonies were held at the Community Center, with perennial parade chairman Mike Sebastian presenting plaques to Grand Marshal Dr. Bill Davis and Honorary Grand Mar-

106 Main Street, Winters (530) 795-0338

Open Daily 8am-8pm

shal Dale Brewer. The 1999 Sweetheart was Adrienne Solorio, who also served as the Youth Day student general chairman. The Youth Day Mayor was Anna Inns. The talent show featured first place dancers Heather Halk and Diego Lopez, who also took second place. Third place went to rock group Vertigo, who performed an original hard rock song. Residents started the day at the Rotary Club pancake breakfast, getting their full of sausage, pancakes and eggs. Afterwards, the Kiddie Parade and main parade wound their way around Main and First streets. After the floats and bands passed by, Winters residents headed for City Park for a day of sunshine, games, and food. Businesses and residents

A mellow mood and sunny weather made Youth Day 2000 one of the best. After Opening Ceremonies held the night before, Win-

ters residents flocked to the Rotary Club pancake breakfast at the Community Center. When their hunger was satisfied, Youth Day revelries headed for the parade route along Main and First streets to watch their favorite children march in the Kiddie Parade. The main parade followed, complete with marching bands, floats and high stepping horses. Grand Marshals Jeff Hesemeyer and Dianne Beaton, Honorary Grand Marshal, Jack Graf and Youth Day Educator of the Year Pam Scheeline took their places of honor in fancy cars. The sweetheart float, with a Peter Pan theme, carried 2000 Sweetheart Natalia Franco and her court. The Youth Day mayor was Heather Halk. At City Park, the Kids Faire beckoned the young and the young at heart, while the climbing

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Rubber ducks race down Putah Creek in the 2022 Duck Derby.

wall challenged the brave. There was enough food to satisfy even the largest appetite, and cold drinks to wash it all down. Horseshoes clanged and ice cream melted in the sun. Little League games provided a little sport and families picnicked under the shade of the trees. Youth Day 2000 opened the way for a new century of fun.

2001

A cool breeze died down to a warm whisper just in time for the 65th annual Youth Day festivities. Youth Day Sweetheart Edith Rodriguez and her court, as well as Grand Marshal Germaine Hupe, Honorary Grand Marshals Richard and Evelyne Rominger and Youth Day Educators of the Year, Jack Delbar and Gary Pitek were presented at opening ceremonies. Youth Day city officials included mayor Jimmy Ramos, council mem-

bers Joie Rodofda , Krystal Majorvas, Jennie Little and Brandi Vigil, judge Mike Paschoal, city clerk Jenaye Shepard, fire chief Jessie Svozil, city manager Jill Fox, police chief Jordan Romney, treasurer Christina Lopez, Chamber of Commerce representative Adam Mills, city attorney Liliana Aredondo, community service director Melanie Stocking, and public works representative Elaine Medina.

2002

With a temperature in the 60s, this Youth Day was a cool one. Opening ceremonies saw plaques awarded to chairman Mike Sebastian, Grand Marshal Frank Ramos and Educator of the Year, Laurie Helm, and Sweetheart Jenaye Shepard. Students who participated in a city council meeting included Mayor Brandi Vigil, city council members Sara

King, Beth Curry and Amanda Balough, city attorney Krystal Majorvas, city manager Elaine Medina treasurer Joie Rodolfa, city clerk Jenaye Shepard, judge Chris Majorvas, police chief Jordan Romney, fire chief Jose De La Cruz, community services director Jill Fox and public works director Jessie Svozil, who all discussed city beautification, the state of the high school parking lot and sports funding.

2003

Even though rain was forecast, it stayed away on Youth Day and left beautiful weather in its place. 660 people had pancakes at the annual Rotary-sponsored Pancake Breakfast, with an estimated 1,400 pancakes flipped. Youth Day officials included Mayor Maggie Brewer, city clerk Krystal Majorvas, treasurer Richard Atherton, judge Sabrina Brunning, po-

lice chief Jacob Nelson, fire chief Chris Carrion, city attorney Jessie Svozil, community services director Megan White, city manager Katelyn Cummings, public works director David Wentling, and city council members Joie Rodolfa, Marissa Garcia, Flavio Guimaraes and Mike Sellers. Youth Day Grand Marshal was Harold Anderson, Honorary Grand Marshals Kay and Al Graf and Educator of the Year Polita Gonzales were honored at the opening ceremonies.

2004

A “record” amount of pancakes were served at the annual pancake breakfast sponsored by the Rotary Club on a beautiful Youth Day morning, according to member Charles Wallace. Grand Marshal Susan Southworth, Honorary Grand Marshal Phil “Flip” Ritchie and Sweetheart Beth Curry were

honored at the opening ceremonies. Kent Benson was Educator or the Year. City council members included city council members Jordan Shugart, Jackie Correa, Kaely Romney, Marty Sackett and Megan White, city clerk Mallory MacLaughlin, judge Kristin Lucero, treasurer Richard Atherton and mayor Chad Stocking.

2005

The weather was balmy and beautiful for Youth Day 2005. The day was filled with dancing flowers and colorful crops as Winters celebrated the “Garden of our Youth.” At Opening Ceremonies, high school students Leticia Rodriguez and Piedad Junoz earned the titles of sweetheart and sweethunk respectively. Guillermo

Figueroa dazzled the judges and crowd and won the Youth Day talent show. Gloria Marion was honored as

this year’s Grand Marshal for her involvement in Winters community events. Educator of the Year was Liz Coman, a teacher of the Winters High School English Department. The Youth Day mayor was senior Kaely Romney, with council members Sarah Warren, Jackie Correa, and Sarah Cooper. The Winters Cub Scout Pack 600 won the Sweepstakes Award for their amazing float.

2006

After weeks of rain, spring turned just in time for the annual Youth Day celebration. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Youth Generation by Generation.” Opening ceremonies began with the talent show, away from which Katie Hill came victorious with her rendition of “Chain of Fools.” The 2006 Sweetheart was Jackie Stocking and Sweethunk was Jacob Thorne. John Lopez was honored as Youth Day Grand Marshal, Peg Dozier was named Honorary Grand Marshal, and Vickie Catalan earned the title of Educator of the Year. The Youth Day Mayor was Tyler Cross. Youth Day council members included Ozzy Arce, Sarah Warren, and Savannah Waldron. The next morning, the annual Rotary Pancake Breakfast fed nearly 750 people, and there were more than 100 entries in the parade. Winters Friends of the Library went home with the Sweepstakes Award.

2007

Youth Day 2007 was one for the books with sunshine and warm temperatures. Opening Ceremonies were held at the Community Center, beginning with the Youth Day talent show. Taking first place were Ashley Jordan and Mattie Long. Jordan sang the Christina Aguilera song, “Beautiful,” accompanied by Long on the

piano. Kelsey Fox and Mat Catalan earned the titles of Sweetheart and Sweethunk respectively. Gloria McCreary, a teacher at Winters High School, was Educator of the Year. This year’s Grand Marshal was Mike Sebastian, who was honored for his involvement with Winters Youth Day. Mae Martin, who witnessed the 1st Youth Day, was Honorary Grand  Marshal. Youth Day activities lasted all day, from the Rotary Club pancake breakfast in the morning, through ongoing entertainment and booths at City Park. The Sweepstakes Award for best float went to First Northern Bank for their grand pirate shit that followed the theme, “Youth Ahoy!”

2008

The 72nd Youth Day was wild, fitting with the theme “Safari to Success. A highschool boy band, “Green River,” took home the gold at the annual Youth Day talent show. The band, compromised of Joey Sanders, Steven Lanfranco, and Nick Hawley, won for their rendition of “Crossfields of Gold.” The Sweetheart was Ari Ruiz and Sweethunk was Cody Campos. Educator of the Year went to high school teacher, Diane Grimard. Karen Benson-Neil

was named Grand Marshal for her dedication to child development and youth success, and Kathy Skaggs was named Honorary Grand Marshal for her support of the Winters Fire Department. The Main Parade featured an extra-special entry: a carriage carrying a night in shining armor who proposed to his girlfriend in front of an adoring crowd. The Sweepstakes Award went to the Winters High School Class of 2010 for their float featuring youth dressed like zebras, giraffes, and lions with “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from “The Lion King” playing in the background.

2009

There were blue skies, sunshine, and temperatures in the low 70’s for Youth Day 73. The Grand Marshal, Manuel Garcia, was honored at Friday night’s Opening Ceremonies. Garcia has dedicated years of service to multiple Winters Youth Baseball programs. The title of Honorary Grand Marshal was awarded to Peggy Narducci, who rode her black and white paint horse in many Youth Day parades. The Youth Day Mayor was Jameson Shugart, and Sweetheart and Sweethunk were Anna Solorio and Robby Emery respectively. Jim Stark earned the title of Ed-

The 2009 Royal Youth Day court waves to the crowd in the Main Parade.

ucator of the Year. Talent show winners Christyna Lopez and Raenne Ramos dazzled the judges with their rendition of “A Thousand Miles.” The Main Parade featured Sweepstakes Winners, Moms on Cowpeds and the Winters High School Class of 2010, for their entries that followed the theme “Wild West Youth.”

2010

Youth Day 74 featured picture perfect weather. Opening Ceremonies were held at the Community Center, with parade chairman Mike Sebastian presenting plaques to Grand Marshal Bruce Rominger. Rominger was honored for his exceptional service to the Winters community as a farmer, philanthropist and mentor. Juanita Skaggs was also honored as Honorary Grand Marshal. Winters Parent Nursery School won the Sweepstakes Award for their float that followed the theme, “Let Your Youth Shine Through.” After the parade, Buckhorn celebrated their 30th anniversary downtown with live music and specially priced menu items. Bryan-Braker Funeral Home debuted the Bryan-Baker Railroad, a model train for children to ride.

2011

This Year’s parade was led by Winters Business owners and philanthropists John Pickerel and Melanie Bajakian.  They were honored for many years of service to the Winters Community.  Youth Day Mayor Polette Gonzales led the festivities with City mayor Woody Fridae.  Youth City Councilmembers were Alexandra Balasek, Brandon Masteller, and Elliot Herrera.  Youth Day was honored with a proclamation from Assemblywoman Lois Wolk and County Supervisor Mariko Yamada for the years of service to the Winters Community.

2012

Winters Music Director Lynne Secrist led the 76th Youth Day Parade, being chosen for her dedication and energy put into the School District program over many years.  City Mayor Woody Fridae and Youth Day mayor Kevin Lane led the council delegation.   The 2012 Youth Day Sweetheart was Katie Clark and the Sweethunk was Isaac Asak.  Fun fact: 91 year old Vickie Southwick visited for the first time since she was in the first Youth Day Parade in 1933.

2013

The 77th Youth Day Parade was led by Grand Marshals Don and Tracy Calvert, longtime community volunteers.

Winters Mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry introduced the Youth Day Mayor Nicholas Muldong.  Youth City Council members were Ka’eo Drumright and Paola Calderon.  The Youth day Royalty were Sweetheart Yvette Valadez and Sweethunk Ty Spalding.  The Youth Day Parade was chosen to host the 2013 California State Horseman’s Association (CSHA) Championship Parade, attracting horse entries from all over California.  The parade had

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/ Courtesy photo

75 entries total.

2014

The 78th Youth Day Parade was led by Winters Little League Mega-volunteers, Chris, John and Mark Rodriguez.  They have led Winters Little League that was started by their father Rudy Rodriguez.  Youth Day

Mayor Fernando Cortes and city Mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry welcomed everyone with Youth City Council members Ignacio Ochoa and Micaela Tweedt.  This year’s Youth Day Sweetheart was Alex Cushman and the Sweethunk was Jake Ivory.  This year’s theme “May the Youth Be with You” brought out a fleet of Storm Troopers to the Parade.

2015

Youth Day honored Tawnya McCracken martin as Grand marshal for the 79th Parade.  She is a longtime volunteer for FFA and 4-H, and many other organizations.  Winters mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Youth Day Mayor Edgar Chavez ushered in Councilmembers Emily Ferreira, Mariah Castillo, Brooke Little and Sarah Hagy.  This year’s Youth day Sweetheart was Isabel Angel and the Sweethunk was Chris Kays.  The parade had 60 entries this year.

2016

The 80th Anniversary celebration was a huge success.  The Youth Day Parade was led by Grand Marshals, The Thomas Sisters.  They have been a huge part of the  Winters Community from Swim Team to Grad Nite Chairpersons.  City mayor Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Youth day Mayor Emily Ferreira kicked off the 80th Anniversary parade with Council members Mariah Castillo, Jolie Cintas, Nataly Hernandez and Valeria Serratos.  This year marked the

retirement of Mike Sebastian as Parade Chairman, a position he held for 35 years.

2017

The 81st Youth Day Parade was led by Winters Junior Warriors founders Rudy and Shelly Baylor.  Their contributions to the Junior Warriors and Little League programs could not go unnoticed.  Winters mayor Wade Cowan and Youth Day Mayor Emily Ferreira led the Council Delegation.  Other council members were Nataly Hernandez and Andrea Gonzales.  The Sweetheart was Kenya Gallo and Sweethunk Devon Muldong. This year’s parade marked 75 appearances by the Yolo Post 77 American Legion Color Guard.  It was also the final parade for announcer and former Chairman Gilbert Sebastian, retiring after 45 years as announcer. The parade had 58 entries in 2017.

2018

The 82nd Youth Day Parade was led by a special group of volunteers, 2018 Grand Marshals, The Project Playground Committee.  The City Council was represented by Mayor Wade Cowan, Youth Day Mayor Andrea

bias, City Clerk Itzel Rodriguez, Police Chief Celeste Garcia, Fire Chief Jackie Ayala, Treasurer Ian Lopez and City Councilmember Jorge Luis Fernandez.

2020

2022

Gonzales and Council members Nataly Hernandez, Ian Lopez, Itzel Rodriguez and Kyle Gardener.  The Youth Day Sweetheart was Karina Del Toro and Sweethunk was Moises Garcia. Former Parade Chairman Mike Sebastian celebrated 40 years as Parade Announcer and Committee member. The Autos for Autism Car Show was added to the City Park Festivities this year.

2019

Superheroes of all ages celebrated on a sunny Youth Day in 2019, when the theme was “Super Youth – The Heroes of the Future.” The Duck Derby was postponed to May due to high water levels in Putah Creek. The Winters JUSD Hall of Fame float took first place with inductees Patty Rominger, Germaine Hupe, Gloria Lopez and Tom Pearse. The Parade Chairman was Mike Sebastian and the Grand Marshall was Winters Elementary School Principal Greg Moffitt. The Youth Day Council included Mayor Andrea Gonzalez, Mayor Pro tempore Nataly Hernandez, Secretary Victor Angel, City Manager Yolanda Covarru-

Amid the coronavirus pandemic and with state and county mandates not allowing events, the Youth Day committee made the tough decision to cancel the 84th Youth Day celebration. Since the first Youth Day in 1933, this was the first time since World War II that it was canceled. With the goal to keep the focus on youth and as a way to keep the spirit of Youth Day going the committee awarded four $500 scholarships to Winters High School Class of 2020 seniors.

2021

Although the plans were to come back strong in 2021, the Youth Day committee opted to cancel the Youth Day celebration, again. The committee cited local and state mandates not only caused great challenges in planning for the gathering but many small businesses and vendors were struggling or had gone out of business due to the pandemic. As a way of keeping Youth Day going, they awarded four $500 scholarships to members of the Winters High School Class of 2021.

WHS honored the annual tradition of nominating a Sweetheart Court. The 2021 WHS Youth Day Sweetheart was Liliana Balderas and the Sweethunk was Jesus Chavez. The Sweetheart Court included Kimberly Garcia (Class of 2024), Madeline MacMahon (Class of 2023) and Celeste Garcia (Class of 2022).

The Winters Express launched Family Fun Week to keep the spirit alive and hosted a family movie night and downtown duck hunt.

Following a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the 84th Winters Youth Day celebration was revived in 2022. The chosen theme was Youthfully Ever After. The celebration kicked off on Friday, April 29 with a Downtown Winters Duck Hunt and the Duck Derby.

The opening ceremonies followed across the creek Green River Brewing & Taproom where Youth Day Committee President Mike Sebastian honored Jenny Ramos as the Grand Marshal. Donnie Whitworth was recognized as the Educator of the Year. Brooklyn Mariani was the Sweetheart and Atanacio Garcia Jr. was the Sweethunk. The 2022 Youth Mayor was Lupita Tovar, and Youth City Manager Lexi Hellinger.

Saturday, April 30 brought the return of the Rotary Pancake (sausage) Breakfast, the Kiddie and Main Parade, events at the Park and the WHS Alumni Baseball Game.

2023

The 85th Winters Youth Day celebration almost didn’t happen due to a lack of volunteers in the initial planning stages. However, several community members stepped up to assist the Youth Day Committee and the Kiwanis Club of Winters took on organizing the annual Duck Derby event. The theme was Grow Youthful.  Youth Day Committee President Mike Sebastian honored Carol McMasters-Stone as the Grand Marshal. Winters High School teacher Andrea Hurst was recognized as the Educator of the Year. Serena Husted was the 2023 Sweetheart and Luca Navarette was the Sweethunk. The 2023 Youth Mayor was Lupita Tovar and the Youth City Manager was Angelica Michel.

David Bosse, 3dollarpictures.com/Courtesy photo Winters State Preschool students and staff in the 2014 Main Parade.

Shawn Collins/Winters Express map ToLake Berryessa& LakeSolano

parades in Nor thern California and a day full of fun and festivities. The 86th Youth Day Parade will again march down historic Main Street in the City of Winters on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Main Street.

• Parade horse trailer park ing on Cody Street.

• Horses line up on Haven Street.

• Humans line up on Main Street westward from City Park .

Want to join the Kiddie Parade?

Be at the corner of 4th and Main at 8:45 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Pre -judging of entries begins 9:45 a.m. Kiddie Parade heads down Main Street Parade

Bringing back Youth Day traditions, creating new ones

By Amelia Biscardi Express staff writer

While the annual Winters Youth Day event is gearing up with loads of excitement, for those who have been to previous Youth Day events, this one is bittersweet after the loss of longtime Youth Day organizer Mike Sebastian in December.

And a way for members of the Youth Day committee to honor all the years of help from Sebastian is through the creation of a float in memorial of him. Eden Miller from Winters Youth Day Club at the high school explained that that was a way they were able to help with the floats creation.

Carol McMasters-Stone has been volunteering as Youth Day Committee treasurer for around 18 years

now and McMasters-Stone explains that without Sebastian it has been an adjustment period.

“This go round is tough, because Mike handled all the parade stuff, you know?”

McMasters-Stone said. “This would have been his 46 years (helping with Youth Day). And so, to him, it’s almost a bio rhythm.”

McMasters-Stone said that it helped that he wrote up the process of planning and timeline of the parade.

As Winters has grown, so has Youth Day. And one of the things that disappeared for a time but has come back is the youth civic engagement portion where the Youth City Council members shadow local government officials.

“The purpose is to introduce what we hope are the future leaders to a kind of

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express

April 18 was the first Youth City Council meeting since the early 2000s. Four of the five Winters City Council members attended the meeting, and Mayor Bill Biasi made a public input statement.

civic responsibility and knowledge,” McMasters-Stone said. “This is targeting local government, how local government works and what it looks like and who these people are in your town.”

Councilmember Carol Scianna explained that her joining the Youth Day committee was because she felt that the city and committee needed to reconnect.

“I kind of joined some of the planning meetings to try to get the council more involved and to try to bring back some of the youth civic engagement activities that used to happen,” Scianna said. “They’d kind of gone by the wayside.”

Eden Miller, Winters High Schooler, founder and president of the Winters Youth Day Club, said she hopes her fellow classmates gain something from the shadowing experience.

“I hope my class can take away more of how our government on the local level works,” Miller said. “I hope they understand like not only that only a day we’re celebrating kids are around here and growing up here but we’re also trying to grow them as leaders and have them see how things could be if they just step up and help plan these things around town when they’re older.”

Miller explained that in previous years, the student leadership class (ASB) had assisted with Youth Day by going to a couple meetings and she and her friend Serena Husted decided to take things a step further.

Both girls decided to create the Winters Youth Day Club together. The club has eight to nine members and they hope it continues to grow. But for now, they want to continue to help with Youth Day and get students more and more involved.

“I started going to the adult board meetings,” Miller said. “Every chance that I could I’d be like, Oh, we can take that on, do that. Just jumping in whenever I could.”

One of the things the girls are looking forward to in the shadowing is a mock city council meeting. After students complete their shadowing they will take the positions of those they shadowed and discuss issues and vote on what to bring to the Winters City Council during their next meeting.

As well, Husted is getting the Winters Middle School leadership students involved in the parade and assisting them with creating a float. The hope is to continue to invite more youth more and more into the Youth Day planning process.

“To also be like, giving me the skills to go

out into the world,” Husted said. “Like it’s all volunteer, it’s like, it’s pretty casual. But like, giving me the skills to be able to write an email to the head of a city. It’s given me a lot of new skills. I feel like and it’s taught me a lot.”

Growing up in Winters, Husted has many memories of Youth Day. She remembers fondly going to her Girl Scout Troop with her mom and making flower crowns, and her troop selling cookies and just general fun.

Miller has fond memories of cousins coming up from Reno as every other year Youth Day would fall on her grandma’s birthday. Miller was so excited once she could finally beat her cousins up the rock wall.

And for Scianna, her favorite thing is always finding her spot to watch the parade.

“If you’re with a family, take your kids and yourself to the park,” Miller said. “We have vendors there for everybody to enjoy if you’re a teen or adult, we have a cornhole tournament this year that you can partake in. And we also encourage people to go downtown and just visit the local stores if they have time.”

“It’s like the fair kind of except, you know, there’s not the big twirly rides and all that but everybody ends up sticky and happy,” McMasters-Stone said.

(L-R): Cheryl Rheuby, Bruce Smith, Sandy Vickrey WHS ‘69, Maria Rodriguez WHS ‘89, Devon Vickrey WHS ‘06

Crystal Apilado/Winters Express Winters Fire Department collaborates with other fire crews to do a fire drill demonstration.