Rhody parade invites local groups to celebrate Roaring '20s theme
The Old Town Rotary Club of Eureka announced the annual Rhododendron Parade on April 27, 2024.
The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Seventh and E Streets in Eureka. This year's theme is the Roaring '20s and will celebrate the great decade of the 1920s. This year's grand marshall is Evo Fanucchi, who will be turning 104 years old in September.
“Evo Fanucchi's life story is a testament to the enduring spirit of community, hard work, and service. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who have had the privilege of knowing him, and his role as the Grand Marshal of the Rhododendron Parade is a welldeserved honor for a man who has dedicated a lifetime to the betterment of Old Town Eureka,” the news release from the Old Town Rotary stated.
Fanucchi was born Sept. 22, 1920, and raised in Old Town. He began working at the age of 14 delivering newspapers in Old Town and started bartending at Roy's Club on his 21st birthday.
The landmark establishment in Old Town Eureka has a rich history. It was initially founded as a speakeasy and cigar shop in 1919, but Roy's Club transformed after the end of prohibition, becoming a distinguished dinner club. Evo and his brother Roy began operating Roy's Club in 1945 at 218 D Street.
Roy's Club was a fixture in Old Town for 76 years with Evo and his wife Catherine operating the restaurant initially with his brother Roy and then together since 1991.
Community groups, businesses, individuals and schools are invited to participate in the 2024 Parade and there is no entry fee required. Prizes will be awarded for the following categories:
• Rhododendron Trophy — Best use of flowers/vegetation
• Sweepstake Trophy — Most Beautiful
• Mayor's Trophy — Most Original
• Grand Marshal's Trophy — Best use of Parade theme
School and community bands are invited to participate for cash awards to all entries. Go to EurekaRhodyParade.com website to complete an application and find more information.