Parade Grand Marshals & Volunteers
Parade Grand Marshals
The Rancho Cordova Fourth of July has celebrated under many different themes over the years. Many local residents and organizations have been honored by being name "Grand Marshal" of the Fourth of July Parade.
In 2008, the honor of leading the Fourth of July parade as Grand Marshal, along with lighting the Cordova Community Christmas Tree, become an "Official Duty" of the Rancho Cordovan of the Year. Recent Grand Marshals and parade themes of the past include:
2024: Julie Hagan-Belka
2023: Ken Cooley
2022: Bob McGarvey
2021: Rod Borba
2019: Curt Haven
2018: Wayne Harmer
2017: Tracey Harris
2016: Al Rogel
2015: Amy Hiramoto
2014: George Burnash
2013: Ross Johnson
2012: Conrade Mayer
2011: Neil Orchard
2010: Joe Gilbert, "Star Spangled Weekend"
2009: Josie Steelman, "Land of Liberty"
2008: John Barris , Educator and Advocate, "Heart of America, Rancho Cordova USA"
2007: Lee Frechette , Fourth of July volunteer, "America the Beautiful"
2006: Shelly Blanchard , Editor of The Grapevine Independent, "It's a Grand Old Flag"
2005: Alan Wither . Principal, Community Activist, "America, Come and Celebrate"
2004: Conrade Mayer , Community Activist, "Home of the Brave"
2003: Conrade Mayer , Community Activist, "Proud to be an American"
2002: Neil Orchard , Administrator, Cordova Recreation and Park District, "Let Freedom Ring"
2001: Capt. George Anderson,
Sacramento Sheriff's Department, "Unity in the Community"
2000: Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce , "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow"
1999: The Grapevine Independent , Rancho Cordova newspaper, "Honor Our Heroes"
1998: Dayo Hagan , Rancho Cordova Citizen, "I Love (Heart) America"
1997: Don Nottoli , 5th District Supervisor, "Shoot for the Stars"
1996: Glen Craig , Sacramento County
Sheriff, "Go for the Gold"
1995: Sen. Patrick Johnston, State Senator, "Stars and Stripes Forever"
2010: Joe Gilbert, "Star Spangled Weekend"
2009: Josie Steelman, "Land of Liberty"
2008: John Barris , Educator and Advocate, "Heart of America, Rancho Cordova USA"
2007: Lee Frechette , Fourth of July volunteer, "America the Beautiful"
2006: Shelly Blanchard , Editor of The Grapevine Independent, "It's a Grand Old Flag"
2005: Alan Wither . Principal, Community Activist, "America, Come and Celebrate"
2004: Conrade Mayer , Community Activist, "Home of the Brave"
2003: Conrade Mayer , Community Activist, "Proud to be an American"
2002: Neil Orchard , Administrator, Cordova Recreation and Park District, "Let Freedom Ring"
2001: Capt. George Anderson,
Sacramento Sheriff's Department, "Unity in the Community"
2000: Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce , "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow"
1999: The Grapevine Independent , Rancho Cordova newspaper, "Honor Our Heroes"
1998: Dayo Hagan , Rancho Cordova Citizen, "I Love (Heart) America"
1997: Don Nottoli , 5th District Supervisor, "Shoot for the Stars"
1996: Glen Craig , Sacramento County
Sheriff, "Go for the Gold"
1995: Sen. Patrick Johnston, State Senator, "Stars and Stripes Forever"orever"
4th of July Volunteers
Over the years, some volunteers have received special recognition as our "All American Fourth of July Volunteer":
2014: Jerry & Erika Johnsom and family who care about their community so much they make the community their family business.
2013: Linda Condon was honored for the quality of care and feeding she provided to over 250 volunteers who help make this event a success.
2012: Karen Teague was honored for transforming the "Night Hawks," the night patrol that keeps the Park safe, into the best organized, most motivated group of volunteers we have ever seen.
2011: Lloyd Lagerstrom was recognized for seeking out the difficult jobs and quietly getting them done. He does everything to a high standard and never shirks a tough job.
2010: Wayne Harmer would become our most valuable Fourth of July volunteer, working behind the scenes to help produce power, power up generators and snap fencing into place.
2009: Brian Danzl brought hard work and his considerable electrician skills to bear, who was recipient of this prestigious Rancho Cordova award.
2008: Mary & Ray Croxen and Aaron Jones went above the call of duty. We are deeply indebted to them all.
2007: Sean Still, Mike Richards and Tommy Walters were honored as our "All American Volunteers."
2006: Jim and Jeri McDonald, and their sons, Sam and James, became our first "All American Volunteers" for their tireless work on behalf of the Fourth of July.
