Record-Breaking Crowds Celebrate McCloud’s 78th Annual Lumberjack Fiesta Despite Storm

McCloud’s beloved three-day festival delivered nonstop entertainment, from pageants to parades, bringing the community together for another memorable year.

Friday Night Festivities Weather the Storm

McCloud’s 78th Annual Lumberjack Fiesta kicked off with excitement on Friday night, though Mother Nature had other plans. The Little Miss Fiesta and Little Logger pageant had to be rushed as a sudden storm rolled in with lightning and heavy rain that dampened spirits but couldn’t stop the fun.

Thanks to DJ Wildwoman Sound, the party continued under the trees as determined participants stayed to dance, eat, and enjoy what organizers playfully called a “wet light show at no extra charge.”

Young Royalty Crowned

Fifteen children—five boys and ten girls aged one to seven years old—competed for the crown and the honor of riding in Saturday’s parade. After careful deliberation, judges Shirley Whitetail, Amber Ross, and Alesha Dadson selected six-year-old Novalie and 15-month-old Cruz as this year’s winners.

The pageant winners later rode in style through town in a horse-drawn carriage alongside McCloud Recreation Council President Patty Ballard-Faulkner and her mother Mary.

Saturday’s Spectacular Parade

Clear skies greeted parade-goers Saturday morning as the procession made its way down Main Street, lined with spectators. The American Legion Post 92 Honor Guard led the parade, followed by Grand Marshal Bob Wieder, one of McCloud’s own.

Parade Award Winners

This year’s parade competition saw fierce but friendly rivalry across multiple categories:

Organization Awards:

• 1st Place: Squaw Valley Riding Club
• 2nd Place: Garden Club
• 3rd Place: American Legion Post 92

Motorized Category:

• 1st Place: Sugar Magnolia
• 2nd Place: Frank Spagnuolo

Special Recognition:

• Nina & Bruce Grant Novelty Award: Joe Rustings
• Children’s Award: Girl Scout Troop 70081
• Non-Motorized Award: John Butler
• Judge’s Choice Award: McCloud’s newly formed Neighborhood Watch

Judge’s Choice Award: McCloud’s newly formed Neighborhood Watch

Festival Highlights: Record Vendors and Classic Competitions

This year’s festival boasted a record-breaking number of vendors filling the entire park, offering festival-goers an incredible variety of food and merchandise to explore.

Traditional Tournaments Draw Crowds

The festival’s signature competitions continued to attract participants of all ages and skill levels:

• Papa Anderson Memorial Softball Tournament
• Harold Benedict Memorial Horseshoe Tournament
• Axe Throwing Competition (including junior competitors)
• Watermelon Eating Contest

the Horseshoe Tournament

Doubles winners:

3rd Place: Lance Diaz and Candice Robison

2nd Place: Andrew Stone and Derek West

1st Place: John Snyder and Connley Little

These beloved annual events brought together amateur and experienced participants, creating nonstop entertainment throughout the three-day celebration.

The success of McCloud’s 78th Annual Lumberjack Fiesta reflects the dedication of the McCloud Recreation Council and countless volunteers who worked tirelessly to create this memorable experience.

Visitors traveled from far and wide to participate in the festivities, with camping available for those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the celebration. The diverse food offerings from vendor booths provided their own culinary adventure for attendees.

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Want to see more from the festival? Visit the McCloud Recreation Council’s Facebook page and check out the “2025” photo album for additional pictures from this year’s Lumberjack Fiesta.

The McCloud Recreation Council thanks all participants, volunteers, and visitors who made the 78th Annual Lumberjack Fiesta another unforgettable celebration of community spirit.

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