Madera’s annual Old Timers festivities will run Sept. 27-29, beginning with arrests by the Whiskerino Posse and ending with a festival in Memorial Court House Park.
Members of the Whiskerino Posse will be out to arrest men who are clean-shaven and women who are not costumed in old-west outfits.
Those arrested will have to make bail by donating from their own pockets or raising bail from friends.
Bail donations help fund the Madera County Historical Society.
Arrests can be avoided through purchase of “stay out of jail” buttons for $5 each. The buttons are available from the Historical Museum in Memorial Court House Park, the Madera Chamber of Commerce at 120 N. E St., and the Madera County Government Center at 200 W. 4th St.
Judging for the “longest beard,” “shortest beard,” “mustache only,” and the “most unique,” will take place in Memorial Court House Park after the Parade.
The Old Timers Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, at Flume Street and East Yosemite Avenue.
Parade grand marshal this year will be Debi Bray, president of the Madera District Chamber of Commerce.
The parade will run west across the Union Pacific tracks, past Memorial Court House Park, and will disband after it crosses State Route 99.
Saturday, Sept. 29
The parade will include floats, marching bands, horses, dancers, classic cars and dignitaries riding in open vehicles.
The City-County Employees Old Timers Costume Contest will judged on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.
City and County Employee Picnic in the Park will be held from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28. Tickets will be available at the Board of Supervisors Office.
Old Timer’s Day in the Park Booth Spaces for food and crafts will be available by contacting the Madera County Historical Museum, 673-0291 (leave a message), or the Madera Chamber of Commerce, 673-3563, or on the website http://www.maderachamber.com.