Travis casts reel in Rio Vista derby

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Carter
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  More than 30 Airmen from the 60th Operations Group and their families participated in the 67th Rio Vista Bass Derby Parade Oct. 12 in Rio Vista, California.

The Travis Honor Guard led the group down Main St. in Rio Vista and presented the colors during the singing of the National Anthem.

Travis participated to show support for the Rio Vista community and, in return, received support from the crowd.

"I participated in parades with Future Farmers of America when I was younger and they were a blast," said Senior Airman Desiree Lemus, 21st Airlift Squadron C-17A loadmaster. "But it was a different feeling participating in this parade. It was incredibly humbling to see the support of the community."

Attracting more than 20,000 attendees, the Rio Vista Bass Derby is believed to be the West Coast's oldest continuous fishing contest and spans three full days. The main event is a fishing contest in which more than 900 fishermen cast into the delta for a chance to win cash and prizes. The parade is the highlight of day three.

"Events, such as a community parade, can really showcase the pride the military has in its local environment," said Tech. Sgt. James Cromwell, 21st AS NCOIC loadmaster scheduling. "The support the local community showed us by the applause and cheering was immensely appreciated."

In addition to the bass derby and the parade, they had live entertainment, a car show, arts and crafts and a variety of vendors to celebrate the event.