By John Duvall
Special to The PREVIEW
In show biz, there’s a long-held belief that runs something like this: Dazzle your audience in the first minute and then leave them gasping with a spectacular finish. It won’t matter too much what falls in the middle.
The Pagosa Springs Rotary Club believes that show-biz belief is only partly correct. This year’s Fourth of July parade certainly had a breath-taking opening (Those magnificent men in their flying machines, also informally known as the Pagosa Springs Air Force) and a spectacular finish (Los Mitotitos), but what came between those two were 60 parade entrants who were colorful, fun, inspiring and greatly appreciated. What follows is the tip of the Fourth of July iceberg in terms of appreciation. Our judges this year were from Texas and New Mexico (no surprise there).
And the winners are: In the youth category, first place was won by the Archuleta 4-H entry. Second place went to the Pagosa Springs Youth Cheerleading participants.
In the nonprofit and service category, the Upper San Juan Health Service District took first place. The American Legion Post 108 with its Honor Guard garnered second place.
Among the commercial entrants, Sundown Outfitters/Rio Grande Outfitters received the most votes for first place. Superior Stables received the second place award.
In the individual/family category, Robert Mackey placed first. Jeff Rogers in his 1976 Cadillac was second.
There are many, many people who helped make this year’s parade a success. Thanks to each one of you. You know who you are.
Special thanks to Pagosa Springs Police Chief William Rockensock and his entire crew, to Town Manager Greg Schulte and his staff,and to Jim Lane and his companion aviators who spent hours practicing their complicated maneuvers before showing us what skilled, experienced local pilots can do to make our Fourth of July the outstanding event that it is.
