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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Every slice of shade along Middletown’s sidewalks was taken on the morning of Saturday, June 18, when the parade, led by a trio of horses, began.

It was hats off for the “Star Spangled Banner” as the day’s activities unfurled, marking the 50th anniversary of Middletown Days.

In keeping with tradition, the annual festivities took place over Father's Day Weekend.

The parade participants included three generations of queens and princesses, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vaqueros of Pope Valley, Jazzercise and classic car enthusiasts, firefighters in flashing fire trucks, and the newly formed Middletown Community Band, to name only a few.

Following the parade, it was time for barbecue and booths at Central Park.

In addition to the tri-tip and curly fries, there were plenty of wares for sale. Crowds were greeted by an array of vendors from “The Pickle Man” to the Redbud Audubon Society, educating interested attendees about one of Lake County’s many feathered wonders: Clark’s and Western grebes.

Volunteer Emma Owen said that for the next three years the group will focus on grebe preservation; a particular challenge at this time of year, when nests are easily dislodged by watercraft.

The afternoon ranch rodeo held at the arena at Central Park featured the return of bronc riding, a favorite event that has been missing from the schedule for years, according to organizer Johanna Snell.

A few of the early activities included ranch roping, “mutton busting” – a rodeo event in which children ride or race sheep, junior steer daubing (branding with paint) and trailer loading; a timed, team event that tests the ability of cowboys to quickly become “road ready” when it comes to roping steer and loading horses.

Organizer Snell says the bronc riding event is sanctioned by the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA) and participants receive points as part of an annual rodeo circuit.

Unlike many bronc riding events, the rules called for use of a standard stock saddle with a horn, allowing riders to hold on.

That didn’t stop the horses from ejecting riders or dirt clods from sailing into the bleachers.

Kicking up heels – and dirt – is more than an event judging style and technique.

As the announcer remarked, “The only thing missing out here are a snubbing post, sagebrush and a bunch of rocks.”

The tests of ranching skills concluded with barrel racing, as junior and adult riders pushed their mounts for a speedy run.

In the evening there was dancing, while Sunday’s highlights – Father’s Day breakfast prepared by the Middletown Lioness Club, Mountain Jam music festival and the gymkhana – rounded out a fun and sun-soaked 50th.

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