Elk Ladies celebrate Grand Marshals

The Wasco Elk Ladies hosted "Stop and Smell the Roses" as part of the Wasco Rose Festival, featuring an honorary guest reception. The evening celebrated the 2024 Grand Marshals Helen and James Medrano, Mike and Chris McCurdy, the Honorary Grand Marshals organization, the Wasco Knights of Columbus, the 2024 Miss Wasco Rose Queen and her court and local artists.

The 2024 Miss Wasco Rose Queen, Rihanna Sanchez, made her first official appearance and gave her inaugural speech, joined by first runner-up Cedes Saldaña and second runner-up Klarissa Gomez.

Representatives from the offices of Rep. David Valadao, state Sen. Melissa Hurtado and Assemblymember Jasmeet Bain presented certificates of recognition to the Grand Marshals and the Honorary Grand Marshal for their service to the community.

Guests enjoyed specialty dishes prepared by the Elk Ladies while mingling with friends, family and community members who came to support the honorees.

James Medrano expressed his gratitude. "I'm humbled and flattered with the nomination. I love Wasco and don't think I will ever leave."

He praised the event, noting, "It's a great event. The ladies did a fantastic job in celebrating the Marshals, the queen, and the artists.The McCurdy's are good Christian, community-oriented people, and the Knights of Columbus believe in selfless service."

Camilo Vasquez, who served in the VFW with James, remarked on the Medrano's recognition: "It's remarkable how many lives they have touched through their coaching and just being there. I couldn't think of a better couple. About James, he said, "He is a humble guy, and that is really what I admire about him. He deserves to be praised."

Mike McCurdy said, "I never thought I would get this nomination. We're very thankful. We've been here all our lives. It doesn't get any better. I feel very honored for this position because the city of Wasco is very special to me, having grown up here my whole life.

"The best was having my whole family here tonight. My two sons, daughters-in-law, niece, nephews, my sister-in-law and then receiving the certificates. It's something we'll honor for years to come."

Chris McCurdy added, "It was very nice. I enjoyed seeing everybody and visiting. I felt very blessed to have great friends here, longtime friends who said nice things about Mike and me. I want to thank the Elk Ladies and everyone for the awards. I didn't expect that."

Rhonda Jones, a close friend of the McCurdy's, shared, "They've been generous with their time and money, and have always given back to the city they call home. They're good people. We have a good time with them. We've known them for over 35 years, and I can't think of anybody more deserving than them."

Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Hector Avila described the evening as "overwhelming from the beginning to the end. I've never been the guest of honor, so it was just a surreal moment. There was just a feeling of happiness, of everyone coming together to pay tribute to the Knights. I was extremely proud." He added, "I enjoyed hearing the stories about the Grand Marshals – how they met and their love stories. It was a special evening, and I was glad to share it with some of my fellow brother Knights as we were recognized for our efforts and sacrifices for the community."

Councilmember Gilberto Reyna reflected, "As a twenty-five-year member of the Knights it was exhilarating to receive the news that we had been selected as Honorary Grand Marshals. It was a great privilege to be recognized alongside great pillars of our community, Grand Marshals Mike and Chris McCurdy and James and Helen Medrano. The reception, put on by the Wasco Elks Ladies, was a delightful evening and a great success; I congratulate them all."

Liz Gerber, Wasco Elk Ladies event chairwoman, expressed her excitement, "I am so pleased we had a great turnout. I saw a lot of people here who had never been before, and they loved it-the food, everything was great. You could feel the Wasco love here tonight! And we are beyond ecstatic that our candidate won the title of queen." She also highlighted the art on display: "We honored artists from Wasco, showcasing everything from embroidered stitchery to paintings. These are all privately owned pieces of art that we shared with the community."