The 4th of July signals the Tin Lizzies of Albuquerque’s traditional parade and picnic in Corrales.  Parade participants gathered early at Larry and Lorna Azevedo’s house in Corrales to decorate their Model T’s and to drop off dishes for the picnic that follows.  Special guests this year included Cole’s father, Chad Wedekind, who was in town with Treina Williams from Florida .  Spencer Johnson’s brother Nick, was also in town from Florida.  Mike and Anita Corona, and Jane (with husband John), Lorna’s fellow dance troupe members, were also joining us for the their first parade. Bob and Sherri Jackson brought their grandson Ryan.  Tom and Cathy Miles were there with family members Max Sr., grandson Elijah, as well as first time parade participants Nicole, Crystalynn and Jaylynn.  After our 13 Model T’s had assembled, it was time to make the short drive to the staging area just off of Corrales Road.

Jo Ann, Vernon, and Don Mike, John, and Anita Brendan and Susan with the family 1924 Model T coupe Tin Lizzies Dave Merewether in his 1917 pickup truck Linda and Jeff preparing “LuLu Bell”, Linda’s 1927 Model T Fordor Janie and Roger drove Larry’s 1925 speedster Audrey and Russell Julie with her granddaughter Scarlet Luke preparing his tractor for the parade Derek and the 1921 Faultless speedster Lorna, Jean, Anita, and Marilyn

The Tin Lizzies share the staging area with the local Model A club as well as other collector vehicles.  While awaiting the parade to begin, everyone had a good time socializing and looking at everyone’s cars.  Joining the Tin Lizzies at the staging area for the first time were Tin Lizzie members Bill and Donna Hansen in their very sharp 1924 touring car.  Bill’s sister, Charlene, and brother-in-law Mike were visiting from Phoenix and this was their first Model T parade as well.  Dave Ferro and Laura were also participating for the first time in their 1917 depot hack.

At the staging area The Azevedo’s 1921 Faultless Raceabout A view of the Tin Lizzies Bill Hansen and Larry Azevedo Janie, Anita, Lorna, Jane, and Mary Derek, Cole, Treina, and Chad Bill and his sister Charlene Spencer and Audrey Rena and Scarlet Cathy, Elijah, Nicole, Crystalynn, and Jaylynn Ann and Laura Ryan and Bob Scarlet with Linda and Jeff (right) Crystalynn, Jaylnn, and Nicole Tom and Cathy Miles with their son-in-law’s mother Don driving the Azevedo’s 1923 Model T truck Spencer and his brother Nick visiting from Florida Bill and Donna Hansen with their brother and sister-in-law from Arizona Lorna at the wheel of her 1912 Model T touring car Don and Vernon in Don’s 1924 Model T Tudor The Duncan’s in their 1920 Model T touring car Mark and Sharon with their daughter Samantha and her husband Gilbert Julie and Russell with their granddaughter Scarlet Bob and Don in the 1923 Model T truck

The Corrales 4th of July parade is notable because it is a quintessential small town parade that is probably very similar to ones 50 or more years ago.  The event is a local favorite, especially with children, and the turnout was great and the spectators very enthusiastic!

After the parade, everyone drove back to Larry and Lorna’s house for the picnic of hamburgers, hotdogs, and tons of salads, deserts, and side dishes.  Joining us for the picnic were Model A club members as well as from the V8 club.  The afternoon was wonderful on the cool green grass and under the shade of the cottonwood trees!

Thank you to Larry and Lorna for hosting this enjoyable and patriotic annual event!

The parade begins Corrales Road parade Larry and Derek returning home Tin Lizzies in the orchard Picnic under the cottonwoods Ryan Jackson – Bob and Sherri Jackson’s grandson Lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs Larry and Lorna’s 1921 Faultless Raceabout The Azevedo’s 1925 speedster (Larry’s first car!) A dapper Paul Duncan with the Azevedo’s rare 1915 Couplet