Corrales 4th of July Parade & BBQ (Jul. 4, 2023)

Story by Sharon and Mark Dominguez; Photos By Sharon Dominguez, Paul Duncan, Mark Wing

Tuesday, July 4^th dawned on us as a very bright and warm day. We assembled at the Azevedo’s house to drop off our side dishes or desserts to complete the BBQ that was to be held after the parade. At 9 am sharp we left to make our way to the staging area. Some of the cars were already decorated, and some were waiting until the staging area before putting on their Independence Day Best. The Tin Lizzies had a great showing of cars. Lorna A. and Fran G. were in the 1915 Speedster, looking like a beautiful white flower; Larry A. drove his 1917 Touring; Dave F. drove Azevedo’s Gilmore special; Mark & Susan W. in their 1925 Touring; Mark and Sharon D. in their 1927 Touring; Paul & Marilyn D in their 1927 Roadster Pickup; Phil & Jessica L. in their Touring; Stan & Janice G in the 1917 Depot Hack.

Dominguez’s 27 decorated and ready for the parade.
Wing’s car ready to roll.
Azevedo’s cars decorated and lined up for the parade.
A Model A; Gauna’s Depot Hack and Duncan’s Roadster waiting for the start of the parade.
Mar and Susan Wing on the parade route in their Touring.
It’s a flower – No it’s a car!
Fran Gurule and Lorna Azevedo at the center of the beautifully decorated “Flower” car.
Dave Ferro with his beloved pup Kelsey.
Paul and Marilyn Duncan along with Dave Ferro in front of their 25 Roadster Pickup.
Lined up waiting for the parade to start.
Don Niedgik’s Tudor.
Front view of the “Flower”
Azevedo”s Gilmore special sporting festive decorations with Dave Ferro and Kelsey.
Paul Duncan’s Drivers view of the parade.
Stan and Janice Gauna with Stan’s visiting sister.
Paul and Marilyn Duncan in his Roadster Pickup
Unfortunately there was one car that needed a little help getting back to the BBQ.
Backend of Duncan’s decorated Roadster Pickup
Ben Niedigk standing next to his Grandfather Don’s car.

The parade finally started around 10 am and our group stepped off around 10: 15 am. The parade had more spectators than we have seen in years; as the sides of the streets were full. It was nice to see so many people turn out for the parade. Seems like the crowds had been much smaller since COVID, but this year they were out in full force. We paraded down the main street in Corrales waving and wishing those on the sides a “Happy 4^th of July”, “Happy Independence Day” and even a “Happy Birthday America!”.

At the end of the parade, we headed to the Azevedo’s for the BBQ. The Model T’s were joined by the Model A’s and a good time was had by all. A special “Thank You” goes out to the Tin Lizzie “Marks” (Mark Wing and Mark Dominguez) for manning the grills to make hamburgers and hotdogs. Lots of good food and desserts were available for everyone to enjoy.

The calm before the BBQ! Thank you to the Azevedo’s for once again opening up their home and yard to all of us.
The side porch at the Azevedo’s set-up and decorated for the festivities to begin.
Thanks to the “Mark’s” for stepping up to man the BBQ’s. The burgers and hotdogs were wonderful.
Lots of folks cooling off in the shade of the cottonwood trees at the Azevedo’s.
Brother and Sister Gauna enjoying the shade at the BBQ.
So many faces – it was good to see people out celebrating the holiday with each other.
There were people everywhere enjoying the food and each others company.
Our Hostess Lorna Azevedo with her daughter Allison and boyfriend.
Model A and Model T’er enjoying a lovely BBQ after the parade.

It was nice to see so many familiar faces again. Great to see Steve and Denise Suttle come out for the BBQ, as well as Allison Bergund! All in all it was a great day for all those who came out to celebrate the day. A Big THANK YOU to the Azevedo’s for once again opening up their home and yard for us to enjoy each others company and share a meal.