PARADE VIEW

By Chris Murphy

One of Modesto’s greatest traditions is the 4th of July Parade. First, if you have never been, it is essential that you give it a try. Downtown Modesto at 9 am on the fabulous 4th, you can enjoy a big slice of ModestoCana. This month, our HistoryView captures the detailed history of Modesto’s parade, now in the 150th year. It is amazing that Modesto was on board just four years after it became a national holiday. When I was growing up, the parade was presented by the Modesto Junior Chamber of Commerce, aka the JayCees. Originally founded in 1925, they presented the Modesto Relays soon after WW2. The Jay Cees attracted many of Modesto’s young movers and shakers until they aged out at 35. Al Menshew, Terry McGrath, Mike McNulty were some of the ringleaders back in the day. Mayor Lee Davies selected many of the Jay Cees to head up Modesto’s big Centennial party in 1970 and they did so with full gusto and also took over the 4th of July Parade. They JayCees presented a big spectacle with a full party/picnic in Graceada Park. In 2010, the Modesto Kiwanis Club took over.

I am deeply honored to be the current Announcer of the 4th of July Parade. The legendary radio broadcaster Cal Purviance lead the charge for many years. Cal was joined by a new up-and-comer Al Menshew who was an encyclopedia of local history and community connections. Thanks to Mike McNulty, I met Al in the early 1980s. Al inspired so much of my love of Modesto history and civic involvement. In 2011, I was asked by Al Menshew and Jeremiah Williams to take over as announcer. I was honored as Parade Grand Marshal in 2016 with my family. For this I am grateful and I am grateful for our amazing local service organization the Kiwanis, (Modesto and North Modesto) for all they do to keep these festivals and events alive. Please join me and my announcing partner DJ Walker of KAT Country 103 was we bring you the Modesto scene at the 4th of July Parade. This year’s Grand Marshal is the Graffiti USA Museum, Brian and Laura Gini of Collins Electric are the Champion of the Fourth. And new this year, Hometown Hero, Daren Bland of the Dallas Cowboys. I hope to see you there and stop by to say HI at the courthouse lawn and enjoy a big huge helpin of civic pride.

Click on the QR code to learn more about Al Menshew. Parade info –www.modestojulyparade.com