September 14, 2006

Jumpin’ in New Almaden

New Almaden Day ‘Jump In’ Parade offers venue for everyone

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Everyone loves a parade. But it’s a whole lot more fun when anyone can join in the procession. That’s exactly what happens every year at the New Almaden Day “Jump In” Parade, which was held this past Saturday.

Jan Dill enjoys her ride in the New Almaden Day “Jump In” Parade as Dan Robertson drives a golf cart. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

“I am so surprised,” said New Almaden resident Bill Jones upon being named grand marshal this year. “There are so many wonderful people in this community. And there are so many other people who should have the honor. I really appreciate being named the grand marshal this year and I will have fun.”

The New Almaden Day “Jump in” Parade is a 1.6-mile procession that commences on Bertram Road in front of the community club, circling around to Casa Grande and back to Bertram where the festivities continue. The parade features original floats, horses, goats, vintage automobiles, parks and recreation personnel, the fire department, costumed participants and anyone willing to “jump in.”

This year, Dennis and Mary Moran provided the New Almaden Marching Band—a truck in flags with a sound system in the bed. And cowboys, cowgirls and Indians on their steeds took to the street as wells as miners in honor of the mining heritage of New Almaden.

New Almaden resident and cowboy Dutch Mapes leads the parade.

But the festivities didn’t end there. Afterwards, New Almaden residents serving as judges took on the difficult task of voting on the best floats. This year, first place went to the New Almaden pirates, second to the fruity mobile and third to the 4H group piled high on a patriotic truck proving that anything goes at the parade.

Almaden Day first started in the 1870s when mine manager James Randol declared it a holiday for the Quicksilver miners and their families. The event featured whole animal carcasses barbecued, music and dancing. The “jump in” was added years later so that residents could join in as the parade passed by the many homes on Bertram and Almaden roads.

There’s still a barbecue today, but instead the offerings include tri-tip, hot dogs and chicken sizzling on the grill. An old-fashioned bake sale tempted everyone with a sweet tooth while kids played artesian sponge toss, penny toss and lollypop tree. Couples danced as the One-Eyed Jacks provided the music and shared a special rendition of “Save the Honky Tonk,” dedicated to the Feed and Fuel.

And the “spirit” of old man Randol was there. Actually, it was Art Boudreault and Mike Boulland decked out in 19th century gentlemen’s clothing. After the two men walked in the parade, they discussed the history of the area and presented their book “Images of America: New Almaden.”

Everyone had such a good time it’s no wonder you hear over and over again “I wouldn’t miss this!”