Modesto Junk Company – its owners, employees, family and friends – had a true patriotic Independence Day in 2010. Our three-vehicle decorated float entry in the 136th annual Modesto Fourth of July parade (the longest-running Independence Day parade in all of California!), put on by the Modesto Jaycees, was named ‘Best Theme Float’ – the top prize – by the parade’s official judging panel.

This year marked our fourth time in the parade, and we handed out red, white & blue- colored beach balls, as well as “Modesto Junk Co.”-labeled bottled water (made of 100% recycled plastic) along the parade route through Downtown Modesto. The theme of this year’s parade was “Lincoln: A Legacy”, and so we honored our 16th president by including Abraham Lincoln-inspired phrases and images.

After the parade, our contingency headed over to Graceada Park, where we enjoyed barbecue at the City of Modesto’s traditional Picnic at the Park.