OLD TIMERS CELEBRATION
Events to be held during the last week in September...
2009 DATES... September 21st thru 26th

Madera ’s Old Timer’s Day originated in 1931, at the suggestion of Craig Cunningham, who was at the time a director of the Madera Businessmen’s Association and a member of one of the county’s pioneer families. Having witnessed a similar event in Sonora in the spring of that year, and having been struck by the exhibition of community spirit, which the Sonoran pioneer days engendered, Cunningham brought the idea up at a meeting of the Madera Businessmen.

The group, in general, threw cold water on the concept, but the president, Harry Lennon, believed in the idea. In spite of the cool reception, Cunningham was appointed chairman of the committee to put on the celebration. Grassroots enthusiasm sprouted up, and on the last Saturday of October 1931, the first Madera Old Timers Day was celebrated. More than 1,200 old timers registered for the event. Those having lived in Madera County at its formation in 1893 were given special pioneer status (residents for more than 50 years).

By 1942, however, it was decided that the wartime perils facing Madera and the nation demanded postponement of the annual event. Then in 1943, 1944, and 1945 the same conclusion was reached. By the time the war ended, Madera County had grown accustomed to doing without its Old Timers Day. At this juncture, out stepped Cunningham once more.

In 1946, a “jail” was completed at the corner of Yosemite Avenue and D Street. Any man caught downtown without a beard was placed in the hoosegow and could win his release only by paying a fine, the amount of which was determined by having the offender randomly open a Montgomery Ward catalogue and allowing the page number to represent the amount of the levy.

AND SO THE TRADITION CONTINUES…

Nominations for Old Timer's Day King and Queen - Eligible candidates must have lived in Madera County for at least 50 years (prior to 1959) or may be someone who has made significant contributions to Madera County. Nominations may be made by letter and mailed to the Madera County Historical Society, P.O. Box 150, Madera CA 93639. For more information, call the Madera County Museum between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Tuesday mornings at (559) 673-0291. 2009 Nomination Deadline TBA

Whiskerino Posse - The Whiskerino Posse will be out to arrest any clean shaven gentleman in celebration of Old Timer's Week from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22 through Thursday, September 24, 2009. 'Stay Out of Jail' buttons will be available for $5.00 each at the Madera County Museum located at 210 West Yosemite Avenue; the Madera Chamber of Commerce Office located at 120 North E Street or the Madera County Board of Supervisors office located at 200 West 4th Street. Proceeds from the badges and bail will benefit the Historical Society. You may call the Madera County Historical Society at (559) 673-0291 to have your employer or co-worker arrested.

‘End of the Trail’ Mixer will be held Thursday, September 24, 2009 in Courthouse Park - Richard A. Ciummo & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation annually hosts this event help kick off Old Timer's Day in Madera. This mixer is sponsored by the law firm of Richard A. Ciummo & Associates, in conjunction with the Madera Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy live music and FREE Bar-B-Que dinner cooked and served by Richard A. Ciummo & Associates. The public is encouraged and invited to attend. For more information, call Donnie Maxwell at (559) 673-7227 or the Chamber Office at (559) 673-3563.

City & County Employee Picnic - The City and County Employee Picnic in celebration of Old Timer's Week will be held at 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Courthouse Park on Friday, September 25, 2009. Tickets cost TBA and will be available at the Madera County Board of Supervisors Clerk's office. For more information, please contact Bob Winslow at (559) 675-7715.

Old Timers Registration - Registration may be done by mail or during the evening of the Old Timer's Reception on Friday, September 25, 2009. Letters will be sent to former Old Timer's and the required information may be returned by mail. To be considered a ‘Madera Old Timer’, you must have lived in Madera County prior to 1959, although continuous residency is not required. Further information is available by contacting the Museum, Tuesday mornings 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at (559) 673-0291.

Reception and Coronation for the Old Timer's Day King and Queen - Reception and Coronation for the Old Timer's Day King and Queen will be held on Friday, September 25, 2009 on the west lawn of the Madera County Museum in Courthouse Park, corner of Gateway and Yosemite Avenues. The reception to honor the 2009 King & Queen will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be completed by 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The Old Timers Day Parade - The Old Timers Day Parade is held on the last Saturday of September (Saturday, September 26, 2009), beginning at 10:00 a.m. This event is co-sponsored by the Madera Downtown Association and the Kiwanis Club of Madera. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at Courthouse Park. For additional information, please call Jim Bryan at (559) 675-7071

Old Timer's 'Day in the Park' - Saturday, September 26, 2009 - Activities commence at 12:00 noon, immediately, following the parade, the event activities will conclude at Courthouse Park with a BBQ with local service clubs and other community groups hosting food and craft booths. At the museum, the King and Queen will greet visitors.   Judging for the Whiskerino Contest (longest beard, shortest bearch, mustache only and most unique) will take place in the park following the parade (approximately 1:00 p.m.)  Booth spaces for food and crafts are available by contacting the Madera County Historical Society at (559) 673-0291 or Bob Winslow at Madera County Purchasing (559) 675-7715. Applications will be available at the Madera County Museum and the Madera Chamber of Commerce

The Madera Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank Bill Coate, retired teacher from Madera Unified School District and a writer for the Madera Tribune, for his historical contributions to this article.