July 4, 2018

By:  Bud Pearce
Photos by:  Bud Pearce

Well, it was yet another fantastic experience to perform at the Orinda 4th of July Parade! The weather was great! The crowd was enthusiastic! The sound system worked better than ever!

We arrived early only to find out, after waiting for some time, that we were in the wrong parking lot! However, we quickly recovered from this setback by decorating the float in record time with everyone pitching in to make it happen. A special thanks to Paul Mack for providing us with coffee and doughnuts while we waited for the float. Also, a big shout out to our excellent sound man, Bob Malucelli, while, under enormous time pressure, was able to make our sound equipment work flawlessly. As a result, the crowd reacted more enthusiastically to our performance and we were able to stay together! As an added bonus, we were able to project the vocal talents of Slavka Ruzicka singing “Tancuj Tancuj Vykrucaj” and “Beer Barrel Polka” in her native Czech costume. These songs paid homage to the Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation who sponsored our trip to the Czech Republic in 2005.

Performing on the float this year were; Karen Hefter, Terry Horner, Don Granberg, Paul Mack, Bob and Diane Malucelli, Phil and Linda Myers, Bud Pearce, and Jon and Slavka Ruzicka. Usually one of the most fun events of the year, and this year was no exception!