Strike up the bands they did! They also called out the troops and the Scouts and every community group known to the San Ramon Valley.
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley’s Fourth of July Parade lasted three hours with more entries than ever to celebrate Danville’s 150th birthday and the 50th anniversary of Hay Days, the precursor to the Fourth of July celebration.
The July 3 Hay Days celebration also drew thousands to the Town Green on Front Street, the parking lot of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley and points in between where people enjoyed hayrides, kiddie train rides, a free hotdog barbecue and music, a carnival and more.
The Danville Weekly was honored to be announced Best in the Marching Band Division in the Fourth of July Parade. The newspaper sponsored the band composed of 45 students from San Ramon Valley and Monte Vista high schools.
“It helps to teach our students about community involvement,” said Cheryl Yee Glass, music program director and coordinator of music for San Ramon Valley Unified School District. She has been putting the combined district marching band together for the parade since 1982.
In past years, the band has been made up of all four schools in the area, but this year only the two schools participated. Ed Cloyd, Monte Vista High School music teacher and Dan Rugani, San Ramon Valley High School jazz and marching teacher, helped Glass put the band together and get prepared for the event. She believes the band is important to the parade.
“The band in the parade keeps the eyes and ears of Danville aware that there is still music in the schools.”
Other local winners are as follows:
Best in Animal Non-horse Division: Tassajara 4-H
Best in Antique Auto Division: Dodge Brothers Car Club of Northern California
Best in Brass Band Division: Danville Weekly
Best in Church Group Division: San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church
Best in Community Service Division: Blue Star Moms
Best in Dance/Theatrical Division: Yau Kung Moon YKM
Best in Family Division: Danville’s 5th Generation Family
Best in Float Division: Patelco Credit Union
Best in Horse Division: California Historical Artillery Society
Best in Marching Unit: Blue Devils
Best in Novelty – Comic: Red Hat Society
Best in Parade Theme of 1958 Division: Brownie Troops 1328
Best in Most Patriotic Theme Division: American Legion #246
Best in Retail Business Division: Pete’s Brass Rail and Car Wash
Best in School Division: San Ramon Valley High School Cheerleaders
Best in Scout Troop Division: Boy Scout Troop #805
Best in Service Business Division: Wells Fargo Stagecoach
Best in Special Interest Auto Division: Pleasanton Auto Mall
Best in Sports Team Division: California Spirit Elite
