GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – After the last year of lockdown, distance learning, and virtually no sports, our area youth could stand a little extra attention! That is why the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce has dedicated this year’s Red Suspenders Day to them with the theme “Celebrating Our Youth!”

The Chamber is asking for help from youth in our community, youth groups, clubs, and organizations to get involved! They would like to see Red Suspenders Day 2021 full of kid-friendly fun and overflowing with youth participation. Kid-centric activities are being planned throughout the increased footprint of the Red Suspenders Day in Downtown Gridley.  Potential groups or vendors with children’s activities or games are asked to contact the Chamber and a discount on parade entries for children’s organizations is being considered (contact the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce for more details).

One of the major hopes for this year is that the community will reinvigorate the tradition of the bed races and kick off pre-parade festivities. The Chamber is hoping Gridley youth can liven things up with their own beds! Teams must have at least one of their five-member crew aged 18 years-old or younger, make their own bed-cart out of a metal framed-bed, and be ready to don helmets for the faced paced race! The Chamber would like to see adult participation and supervision during construction and at the time of the races, Saturday morning at 9:30 am.

Other Red Suspenders Day festivities include a socially distanced Unjustice Court at Rotary Park, Friday, May 14^th from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, then on Saturday, beginning at 7:00 am the Little League Pancake Breakfast, Classic Car Show, Donkey-Plop Bingo, Fireman’s Games (COVID-19 permitting) and best of all, opening day of Gridley’s Farmers Market! The day will culminate with the Gridley Museum’s annual Tri-Tip Dinner fundraiser.

Planning for this year’s Red Suspenders Day is in full swing, with provisions being for socially distanced fun. Your continued patience and flexibility are asked for as the Chamber faces the challenges of planning such a large community event during the times of COVID-19. Updates will continue as Red Suspenders Day, May 15^th, 2021 approaches. Please contact the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or at (530) 846-3142.