Gridley's Biggest Celebration

Red Suspenders Day

2026

Honoring Gridley's Volunteer Firefighters Since 1961

Saturday
May 16th

65 Years Strong! A beloved tradition celebrating our heroes

Red Suspenders Day began in 1961 as a dance to raise revenue for the volunteer firemen of Gridley. Over 65 years it has grown into a community-wide celebration spanning two days of family fun, featuring everything from bed races and a grand parade to car shows, live music, and the beloved Firemen's Games.

Non-Stop Fun & Excitement

Two days packed with family-friendly festivities

Grand Parade

Grand Parade

The main event! Watch colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups parade through downtown. Cash prizes for best entries!

Classic Car Show

Classic Car Show

Classic cars, trucks & motorcycles on display 8 AM – 1 PM downtown at Kentucky & Hazel Streets. Best in Class awards & cash prizes. Entry fee: $20 pre-registration, $30 day-of.

Car Show Details & Registration

Bed Races

Our most hilarious tradition! Teams race beds down Virginia Street at 9:30 AM. Bring your cheering spirit!

Firemen's Games

Watch local firefighters compete in tests of strength and endurance at 1 PM. See our heroes in action!

Food & Vendors

Over 100 vendors selling crafts, gifts & services Saturday 8 AM – 2:30 PM. Vendors set up 6–7 AM. Food Courts at Virginia & Hazel Streets and Washington & Hazel Streets.

Cal-Fire Softball Games

Friday at 6 PM at Vieira Park! Local Cal-Firefighters compete in the highly-spirited North vs. South and Butte vs. Sutter games. Features food trucks and a Home Run Derby benefiting a local charity!

Unjust Court

Nominate your favorite person to be "jailed" in Rotary Park! Judge: Fire Captain Mike Conaty. Bailiff: Chamber President Lynne Spencer. Offenders get pizza & drinks while arranging bail — and booking photos go on Chamber social media!

Arrest Someone

Kids Activities

Photos with Princesses & favorite Heroes, Kids Scavenger Hunt, rides, bounce house, and games in the parks from 8 AM – 2:30 PM. Endless fun for the whole family!

Event Schedule

Plan your Red Suspenders Day adventure!

All Day

"Unjustice" Court

Nominate your friends to be "arrested" and jailed until bail is raised through donations!

Rotary Park
6:00 PM

Cal-Fire Softball Games

North vs. South and Butte vs. Sutter — local Cal-Firefighters go head to head in this highly-spirited competition! Food trucks on site and a Home Run Derby benefiting a local charity.

Vieira Park
7:00 AM

Pancake Breakfast

Start your day right! Hosted by Gridley Little League, Masonic Lodge, and Knights of Columbus.

Daddow Park
8:00 AM

Classic Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

Display runs until 1 PM. Best in Class awards & cash prizes. Entry fee $20 pre-reg / $30 day-of. Contact the Chamber at (530) 846-3142 for info.

Kentucky & Hazel Streets
8:00 AM

Vendors & Food Courts Open

Over 100 vendors selling crafts, gifts & services until 2:30 PM. Food Courts serving all day. Vendors arrive to set up between 6–7 AM.

Virginia & Hazel · Washington & Hazel Streets
8:00 AM

Live Music, Rides & Kids Activities

Live music all day in Daddow Park! Plus rides, bounce house, games, photos with Princesses & Heroes, Kids Scavenger Hunt, and more — running until 2:30 PM. Pick up your RSD t-shirt & suspenders at the Chamber booth by the Gazebo!

Daddow Park
9:30 AM

Bed Races

Teams race decorated beds down the street in this hilarious competition!

Virginia Street
11:00 AM

Main Parade

The highlight of Red Suspenders Day! Cash prizes for best entries.

Downtown Gridley
1:00 PM

Firemen's Games

Gridley vs. Cal-Fire's finest test their strength and endurance in this always wet and wild competition!

West Side of Rotary Park
4:00 PM

Tri-Tip Drive-Thru Dinner

End the day deliciously! Drive-thru tri-tip dinner runs until 7 PM.

Gridley Museum

Get a Reminder

We'll send you a heads-up before Red Suspenders Day so you don't miss a thing.

You're on the list — we'll remind you!

Be Part of the Fun

Register to participate in Red Suspenders Day 2026

Vendor Booth

Sell to thousands of visitors!

  • Prime downtown location
  • Food vendors & food trucks welcome
  • Crafts, gifts & merchandise
  • Huge foot traffic from parade
  • 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM Saturday
Apply as Vendor

Event Sponsor

Support our community tradition!

  • Community recognition
  • Advertising & promotion
  • Official event t-shirts
  • Parade entry included
  • Support local firefighters
Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship Levels

Choose your level of community support

Questions? Contact Us

Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce
890 Hazel St., Gridley, CA 95948