July 9, 2025
Fireless Fireworks are rolled out on Downieville’s Main Street. Hundreds participated in the annual tradition, which was followed by street races.
DOWNIEVILLE — It was lovely weather for this year’s annual 4th of July street races for kids of all ages, and since it was on a Friday, there were lots of spectators and participants enjoying the event!
Our community really steps up for this event, and we are so grateful to the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department/Fire Auxiliary for their sponsorship. These volunteers do the hard part of getting the permits, cleaning and closing the streets, all while preparing and staffing the barbecue, organizing the muster and dance, events which were all held on Saturday. The group working together to pull off the races and tug of war event include our veteran starter, Jack Marshall along with his niece Suzi Pangman; announcer Lee Adams who kept the events moving along well; line judges Owen Behlke, Ryan Lowery and Tony McCreary; and prize table staff with Randi McCreary, Irma McCreary, Hailey Lowery and Cindy McCreary. Gordon Bell helped with cleaning and setup, and Cora Dittrich manned the hardware store during the events. We received very generous donations to the prize fund from the Lavezzola family, the Fireless Fireworks, and DIG. And former Downieville resident, Susan Kintz designed the amazing prize badges that were given out and Michelle Burr designed the 4th of July stickers. It is truly a group effort. Thank you to everyone!
The Sierra Turnpike Players, including The Messenger’s owner Carl Butz (right), participated in the parade.
We apologize for not catching the full names of all the winners, but you know who you are. Please note that categories were dependent upon the number of runners available in each group. Results are as follows:
1 year old girls: First: Sidney Jordan, Second: Emma Townsend, Third: Emily Beals
1 year old boys: First: Kayden Mullican, Second: Kolton Knipe
2 year old girls: First: Adeline Stephenson, Second: Cleo Pizarro, Third: Lainey Emm
3 year old girls: First: Olivia Beals, Second: Adia Powell
3 year old boys: First: Aiden Townsend, Second: Aden Applington, Third: Noah Conway
4 year old girls: First: Anna Misita, Second: Lucy Mendez, Third: Danika Rasmussen
Felix Mendez, the only entry in the 4-year-old boys street race, wins his heat.
4 year old boys: First: Felix Mendez
5 year old girls: First: Brynlee Emm, Second: Madison Lucchesi, Third: Eleanor Tearon
5 year old boys: First: Davis Burns, Second: Everett Burns, Third: Braylen Ledesma
6 year old girls: First: Maddie Knoefler, Second: Penny Knipe, Third: Kennedy Stringer
6 year old boys: First: David Motbee, Second: Maxwell Nunez
7 year old girls: First: Connolie Burns, Second: Kennedy
7 year old boys: First: Euan Haddow
8 year old girls: First: Camby Corda, Second: Sidney Applegate, Second: Katherine Beals
8 year old boys: First: Konner Knoefler, Second: Lundse, Third: Orion Coats
9 year old girls: First: Mia Pizarro, Second: Violet Maltby
9 year old boys: First: Quinn Blumberg, Second: D J Sillmar, Third: Mason Carosella
10 year old girls: First: Maisie Snider, Second: Namera Lafontaine, Third: Quinn Thiessen
10 year old boys: First: Parker Knipe-tie, First: Nemo Osby-tie
11 year old girls: First: Madison Beals, Second: Hayden Blumberg, Third: Oliliga Davis
11 year old boys: First: Brady McClure, Second: Tristen Cristoferson, Third: Jaden Henslee
12 year old girls: First: Amelia Beals, Second: Haven Antrim, Third: Kenzie Quin
12 year old boys: First: Lucas LaFontaine, Second: ?, Third: Jacob Flores
13-14 yr old girls: First: Charlie Williams, Second: Salziena, Third: Aria
13-14 year old boys: First: Jackson Stringer, Second: Lincoln Galan, Third: Skai Cristoffersen
Women 15-30: First: Taylor Day, Second: Katie Epps, Third: Lexi Quin
Men 15-18: First: Gavin Myers, Second: Jackson Wells, Third: Tyler Foster
Men 19-21: First: Benjamin Zoeler, Second: Landon Jackson, Third: Connor White
Men 22-26: First: Julian Horns/Jon Camillucci, Second: Chuck McBride, Third: Cameron Townsend/Tyler Vendetti
Though several falls were recorded in the foot races, no serious injuries were reported.
Women 30-36: First: Jordan V, Second: Mandy, Third: Puckie
Women 37-40: First: Sara Bowman, Second: Charon Johnson, Third: Shira Burns
Men 30-36: First: Clay Venetis, Second: Paul Jordan, Third: Andrew Smith
Men 36 and up: First: Mike Beals, Second: Nick Burns, Third: Tim Jordan
Women 40 and up: First: Jaclyn Blumberg, Second: Catmarinya Vanirijn, Third: Breanna Lafontaine
July 9, 2025
Downieville’s annual 4th of July street races saw enthusiastic participation across all age groups.
July 2, 2025
June 30, 2025
June 30, 2025
June 25, 2025