ARBUCKLE, CA (MPG) – Hundreds filled downtown Arbuckle on Saturday, July 18, as the community celebrated its 150th birthday with a parade, live entertainment, contests and tributes to the people who helped shape the town over the past century and a half.
The sesquicentennial celebration began with a parade led by the Colusa County Veterans and Color Guard, followed by engines from the Arbuckle Fire Department joined by Williams, Maxwell and CAL FIRE crews. The Colusa County Sheriff’s Office also participated, along with the Sacramento Valley Museum, local businesses, community organizations, classic cars and hot rods.
The Jr. Bears showed their community spirit while Miss Colusa County Whitney Traynham, first runner-up Kennedy Nall and Mini Miss Colusa County Catalina Oliveros greeted spectators along the parade route. Congressman Mike Thompson also took part in the festivities, walking through downtown and riding in the parade. Marian Kalfsbeek served as grand marshal.
Following the parade, Thompson presented Arbuckle Revitalization Committee President Elijah Rodriguez with a framed Congressional Record statement recognizing the town’s 150th anniversary.
“It was a beautiful day to celebrate Arbuckle’s 150th anniversary,” Thompson said. “I was honored to be asked to ride in the parade and present the community of Arbuckle with a framed Congressional Record Statement from me and Rep. James Gallagher to commemorate this anniversary.”
Throughout the day, visitors browsed local vendors, enjoyed food from area food trucks and took part in family activities. Pie-eating and watermelon-eating contests entertained spectators while children enjoyed carnival attractions.
One of the day’s most anticipated competitions featured an old-fashioned bucket brigade between the Arbuckle and Williams fire departments. Arbuckle claimed the title after winning on a technical tiebreaker.
As the celebration continued, the Arbuckle Revitalization Committee recognized several individuals whose dedication and service left a lasting mark on the community. Family members accepted commemorative awards honoring Bob Boles, Charles Geyer, Lyle Charter, Diana “Nanny” Voorhees, Jan Bradford and town founder Tacitus Ryland Arbuckle.
Melissa Ehrke and Laura Kley accepted on behalf of Bob Boles. Megan Boles Murphy later thanked organizers, saying, “Thank you so much for remembering and honoring my sweet dad. Our family appreciates it so much.”
Ellie Geyer, Maggie Ruiz and Cece accepted the recognition for Charles Geyer. Jeff Charter and Laurie Charter accepted for Lyle Charter, Debbie Charter accepted for Diana “Nanny” Voorhees and Rod Bradford accepted for Jan Bradford.
The celebration also featured Arbuckle’s inaugural rib cook-off. Judges awarded first place to 2NQUE, second place to OrozcoBoyz and the People’s Choice Award to Rib Tips.
“There were six teams and they were all delicious in their own way,” Rodriguez said. He added that the committee is considering bringing the competition back during its annual event on Sunday, Oct. 25.
As evening approached, the band Playback kept the celebration going during a downtown street dance.
The day’s entertainment also included the debut performance of “The Arbuckle Melon-Drama,” presented in front of the historic Redington Block by The Light in the Sky Players.
“[We] had an absolute blast performing,” said Melissa Baikie-Rick, owner of Light in the Sky Music. “We were amazed by the incredible turnout, and what a fantastic audience. Seeing so many smiling faces, hearing the laughter and watching everyone jump into the fun in true old-time melodrama fashion made the performance unforgettable.”
While the day centered on celebrating the community, the milestone also marked Arbuckle’s beginnings. The town was founded in 1875 after nearby College City declined to allow the railroad through town. Rancher Tacitus Ryland Arbuckle instead offered the railroad a route across his property, leading to the creation of the community that now bears his name.