DOWNIEVILLE — It was hotter than blazes for this year’s annual 4th of July street races for kids of all ages! But the heat didn’t keep a good-sized crowd from showing up for the event at 2:00 p.m.

It definitely takes a village to pull off this event every year, and we are so grateful to all the folks who volunteer their time and services. First and foremost, the Downieville Volunteer Fire Department/Fire Auxiliary sponsors the events and does all the leg work getting the permits, closing and cleaning the streets, and manning their excellent barbeque, dance, and muster, which was held on Saturday this year. There is an amazing group that helps each year with the kids’ races, beginning with the longest-running member of that group, Jack Marshall, who worked with his niece, Suzi Pangman, at the starting line, getting the groups organized to race. Lee Adams announced the races and kept the events moving along. Line judges Owen Behlke, Tony McCreary, and Ryan Lowery were at the finish line making the calls for the winners, and at the prize table, Randi and Cindy McCreary and Hailey Lowery awarded the winners and participants their prizes. Gordon Bell tidied the race area and helped with set up, Cora Dittrich manned the hardware store so Cindy and family could handle the races, Mindy Strine graciously loaned us her PA system, and Chris Strine loaned us his table for the prizes. Finally, a huge thank you for prize fund donations from the Lavezzola family grandkids, the Downieville Improvement Group, and those who contributed to the Downieville Fireless Fireworks fund collected and graciously shared by Ingrid Larson.

We apologize for not catching the full names of all the winners, but you know who you are. Please note that categories were dependent on the number of runners available in each group. The results are as follows:

2/3 year old girls:

First: Anna Misita

Second: Emery Bowman

Third: Rita Saengsawang

Up to 2 year old boys:

First: Carmelo Stevens

Second: Noah Conway

Third: Johnny Robbins

3 year old boys:

First: Braylen Ledesma

Second: Bodie Booth

Third: Tanzi

5 year old girls:

First: Allison Aplington

Second: Penny Knite

Third: Kalea Philipp

5 year old boys:

First: Jacob Birkendahl

Second: Phoenix Staab

6 year old girls:

First: Emily Beals

Second: Charly Ledesma

Third: Emma Conway

6 year old boys:

First: Austin Palmieri

Second: Euan Haddow

Third: Bodhi Cox

7 year old girls:

First: Camby Corda

Second: Katherine Beals

Third: Sydney Applegate

7 year old boys:

First: Conner Knoefler

Second: Kayson Overy

Third: Chase McClure

8 year old girls:

First: Nora Bricker

Second: Cali Booth

8 year old boys:

First: Mason-tie

First: Logan Birkendahl-tie

Second: Aiden Robbins

9 year old girls:

First: Maisie Snyder

Second: Margaret Graney

9 year old boys:

First: Gavin Palmieri

Second: Parker Knite

Third: Jase Painter

10 year old girls:

First: Madison Beals-tie

First: Payton Ware-tie

Second: Harper Corda

10 year old boys:

First: Brady McClure

Second: Cortez Lastrico

Third: E V Bolf

11 year old girls:

First: Amelia Beals

Second: Hannah Antrim

Third: Winter Minteh

11 year old boys:

First: Elijah Lorenzo

Second: Christian Navarro

Third: Jacob Flores

12 year old girls:

First: Lily Graney

Second: Charlee Williams

Third: Amelia Lastrico

12 year old boys:

First: Kyler Ledesma

Second: Skai Cristofersen

Third: Logan Navarro

Up to 15 girls:

First: Salzienna

Second: Lexi Quin

13 year old boys:

First: Jackson Stringer

Second: Kaleb Knoefler

Third: Noah Lorenzo

14 year old boys:

First: Brady Wells

Second: Oscar Kristoferson

Third: Jackson Wells

15-18 yr boys:

First: Thi Orozco

Second: Lucas Reiswig

Third: Jack Titus

19-30 yr. men

First: Connor White

Second: Leslie Baker

30 plus women:

First: Britteny Staab

Second: Sara Bowman

Third: Misty Painter

30–40-year men:

First: Joe Mercuri

Second: Mike Beals

Third: T.J. Donova

40 and up men:

First: James Bambauer

Second: Nick Dewals

Third: Andy Flores