GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Despite strong winds throughout the day, the 65th annual Red Suspenders Day drew crowds to downtown Gridley on May 16 for bed races, a parade, a car show and community activities honoring local firefighters.

Gridley Little League opened the day with its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser, with teams taking turns bussing tables and assisting patrons.

After breakfast, attendees lined Virginia Street to watch the annual bed races.

At 9:30 a.m., 11 teams, including one adult team from Liberty Tax, competed in the event. Returning favorites such as the Napa Auto bed faced newcomers including the Legend Sound Works bed as teams raced through the course.

Ten Little League teams competed against one adult team in the annual bed races. The Cubs, seen here, push the Napa Auto Parts bed along the race route. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Beds crashed into sidewalk planters, tangled with competitors and, in some cases, blocked racers from crossing the finish line. Several contestants lost shoes while pushing their beds through the course.

In an upset victory, race officiant Zach Torres said the Marlins captured first place.

“They battled back from the loser’s bracket,” said Torres.

“‘Tough Guys’ took second and the Bulldogs rounded it out for third,” added Torres.

For attendees looking for a slower pace, the Red Suspenders Day Car Show filled two blocks between Sycamore and Spruce streets from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. with classic vehicles and restored cars.

The color guard leads the 65th annual Red Suspenders Day Parade through downtown Gridley. Photo by Chris Pedigo

The annual Red Suspenders Day Parade began at 11 a.m. and lasted more than an hour, featuring local service groups, dancers, performers and emergency response agencies.

The 2026 parade grand marshal, Baldemar Torres, known in the community as “Balde,” was honored during the parade. Torres, a longtime fixture in local Little League programs, died unexpectedly earlier this year. Family members represented him during the event.

During the parade, Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce President Lynne Spencer announced firefighter of the year Kyle House.

“He has done a wonderful job for us. He’s one of the hardest workers we have had,” said Capt. Perry Nunez. “We are very proud.”

Cal Fire mascots Sparky and Smokey ride through the parade route while promoting fire safety during Red Suspenders Day. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Fire departments from Gridley, Butte County and neighboring agencies participated in the parade, bringing engines and equipment that drew attention from spectators along the route.

Lisa Van De Hey of the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce said Squeaky Clean Paredes Car Wash and Detailing won first place in the parade competition after cooling paradegoers with spray mist and handing out popsicles along the route.

Baile de Folklorico took second place and Los Hijas de Maria finished third.

Following the parade, vendors and food trucks filled Daddow and Rotary parks. Cathy Mills of the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce said the food court remained busy through the afternoon despite continued high winds.

Miss Teen Butte County Scholarship royalty, along with the first runner-up and ambassador, smile and wave during the parade. Photo by Chris Pedigo

Motorcycle contests, law enforcement demonstrations and emergency vehicles also gave attendees opportunities to interact with local agencies.

The day concluded with the firefighter games, where teams maneuvered large fire hoses and attempted to spray barrels across a line in a contest similar to tug-of-war.

The Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce said the event drew a strong turnout despite the weather and thanked the community, vendors and local businesses for supporting the annual tradition.

American flags and signs supporting firefighters lined the parade route during Red Suspenders Day. Richvale Charter Academy joined the celebration with a spirited parade entry. Photo by Chris Pedigo