All Win at Annual Fourth of July Parade
By Bobbi Zane

Top right, Woody Barnes, a descendant of one of the first families, and Grand Marshal of the parade, rode down Main Street in a country carriage driven by Steve Philbrick; shown with several of the Fourth of July Parade entries that entertained the crowds of people that lined the streets of Julian. Photos by Carol & Darrel Kinney

Everyone came up a winner at the annual Fourth of July Parade. This year's edition produced some of the most creative entries seen in years, a gathering of more than 30 members of Julian's old families, more period costumes than ever before and an array of unique equestrian entries.

This year the parade celebrated Julian's heritage, unique in Southern California because it includes gold discovered by a black American, which brought Argonauts in the 1870s. They found gold in the rich land that supported fruit orchards and cattle ranches.

Of the more than 70 parade entries, many reflected aspects of that heritage and several captured awards for creative views of Julian's historic period ranging from 1869 to 1913.

Appearing at the annual Julian Fourth of July parade, from left to right, Brianna Bustillos, Miss Julian First Princess; Casey Peyakov, Miss Julian 2007; Leah Keane, Teen Miss Julian 2007; Daniella Retz, Teen Miss Julian First Princess. Photo by Amber WArd

Woody Barnes, a descendant of one of those first families, and Grand Marshal of the parade, rode down Main Street in a country carriage driven by Steve Philbrick. Richard A. Bailey Sr., grandson of town founder Drury Bailey, rode in a surrey driven by Renee and Doug Engel. The remaining members of Julian's old families moved down Main Street aboard a 1912 Mack stage driven by Pete Larson and a flat-bed pulled by a tractor.

The Miner's Diner, housed in the historic Levi-Marks store that has been part of Julian's heritage since 1886, won the Golden Nugget award for entry reflecting the parade's theme. Leading the entry, designed and driven by Virginia Fernandez, was a John Deer mower holding a root beer float, followed by a tableau depicting a miner working Coleman Creek alongside a group of children picking apples.

The theme award went to the 25 walking cowboys belonging to the Delzura Desperados, members of the fast-growing Cowboy Action Shooters International. Eight-year old Alysha Cranmore from Valley Center took the Specialty award along with her Polish Arabian horse Kia. Another young equestrian, Madison Wagner, a relative of Julian's own UPS man Jeff Smith of Valley Center, won the Youth Open award riding her pony Bert.

The Grand Ladies of the Old West, who believe in "decent enjoyable Saturday night baths," made a big splash wearing their 1880s costumes and walked away with the Open entry award.

The US Submarine Veterans, an annual entry in this parade, scored the best Motorized Entry award with their replica of the USS Sea Wolf and sail area of the USS Bang.

A cute-as-a-bug green 1936 Chevrolet truck, restored by Bob Hildebrand and entered by the King Pin Car Club, was named the best Vintage Vehicle entry. A mule team from Heavens Hollow Ranch in Warner Springs walked off with the award for best Equestrian entry.

As usual the parade sported a complement of local beauty queens, including Miss Julian and Miss Teen Julian. A group of Civil War re-enactors marched down the street in period costumes carrying replica weapons, and local firefighters brought up the end of the parade with sirens howling.

Pre-parade events were as exciting as the main march, highlighted by flyovers from four T-34 trainers with smoke trails, two Skyraiders and a T-38. There were also shoot-outs by the Julian Doves and Desperadoes and a community sing led by the Floozies.

The parade has been an annual event presented by the Julian Fourth of July Parade Committee for 14 years. Mike Menghini is the parade chair.