2022 Fortuna Rodeo Grand Marshal: Mel Berti

from Fortuna Rodeo Program 2022

by North Coast Journal

Breakaway Roping

Mel Berti

Grand Marshal Mel Berti

By Meg Wall-Wild

A“ ctions speak louder than words” is a phrase used so often that it can lose its meaning. But not with Mel Berti. He lives it. If you live in Fortuna, you know Berti in one way or another. As a life-long resident he probably knows you, too. Berti was a butcher by trade at Hoby’s in Scotia. But even when he put the cleaver down, he kept his sleeves rolled up. He served as

Fortuna’s mayor (twice), a city councilman (32 years) and as volunteer fi reman (59 years). Mel Berti’s hands have held many reins over the years, guiding Fortuna through more than a lifetime of community service. Long hours in meetings led to many enjoyable events that keep the city hopping, including the Fortuna Rodeo, on whose board he’s served for 28 years. Some of the best childhood memories start on Main Street during Fortuna Rodeo

Week and this year Berti will shepherd them along as grand marshal of the Rodeo

Parade. If you still think you don’t know Mel

Berti, close your eyes and listen because you may recognize his voice from announcing Fortuna High School basketball and football games. He was a fi xture on KWPT 100.3 and 102.7 FM, calling Huskies football with Tag Wotherspoon. His service to high school sports was recognized when the local baseball fi eld was renamed in his honor.

The hours Mel Berti has invested in his beloved hometown were recognized with the 2006 Fortuna Citizen of the Year award. But that did not leave Berti resting on his laurels. Even after retiring from professional commitments, he continues to pitch in. Today, tomorrow and into next week. He has yet to hang up his fi reman’s helmet, even serving as Fire Commissioner. When asked about the best part of his service, Berti is proud to save people with the Jaws of Life he helped acquire.

Mel Berti was named Grand Marshal in 2020 but rodeo and its attending accolades were deferred. Fortuna is lucky to benefi t from his good works, so let him know. Find a good spot on the route and cheer on Grand Marshal Mel Berti for his service of almost 120 years (combined, of course!) to Fortuna. That is some heavy math for someone who has lived just over 80 years. Such a grand total from a dedicated grand marshal deserves a grand old cheer!