July 4, 2019
By: Bud Pearce
This 4th of July, the East Bay Banjo strummers were, once again, delighted to participate in the Orinda parade. A total of fifteen members and one special guest (Anna Vybiralova from the Czech Republic) showed up to first decorate the float, and then ride it through the streets of Orinda and Orinda Village. The onlookers erupted, waving and clapping, as the upbeat sounds of our traditional music rang out from the float. For the first time, we included vocals, that seemed to enhance our performance. As in past years, we were joined by members of the Tabor Sister City (Anna and Slavka) in full costume who sang two songs in Czech at the Reviewing Stand.
Special thanks go to Karen Hefter for leading the group and to Bob Malucelli who made the sound system perform beautifully! Others included Don Granberg, Paul Mack, Linda and Philip Myer, Gary Kerr, Doug and Mimi Johnson, Terry Horner, Diane Malucelli, Betty David, Bud Pearce, and Jan and Slavka Ruzicka.
Lastly, we would like to thank our float sponsor GJEL (Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis, and Larson) for helping to make this year’s parade a huge success!
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- Merrily we roll along, roll along!
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- Don and Diane begin decorating
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- Paul readies ladder as Don supervises.
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- Bob observes flag placement
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- Betty and Karen tape down fringe decorations
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- Bud and Phillip strum together
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- Bob and Paul Strum sneak a peak at their music
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- Float begins to approach Reviewing Stand
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- Czechs perform as we near Reviewing Stand