The town of Boulder Creek has some longstanding traditions that make it a destination for family celebrations. From the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree to its Halloween festivities, there are plenty of reasons to gather together in this quaint mining town.
On Friday, July 4, yet another yearly tradition will bring visitors and residents alike to the town: the 127th annual 4th of July Parade. The parade will begin at 10am on the south end of town with the Scouts Color Guard and the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a lineup of parade entrants.
This year’s grand marshal is Chris Currier, a beloved fixture of Boulder Creek and the best choice for the seat, according to Boulder Creek Business Association (BCBA) President Justin Acton.
“The BCBA board was unanimous in their decision to have Chris be this year’s grand marshal,” Acton said. “Chris has been involved in so many different components of our community, and he does it all behind the scenes. He’s not someone who seeks out affirmation or kudos for his actions; his generosity towards our community is only surpassed by his humility, and we are honored to have him represent our town as grand marshal.”
Currier, 76, grew up in the San Lorenzo Valley. He graduated from SLV High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in South Korea as a medical records technician.
In 1974, he opened the Mountain Mechanics Auto Repair Shop at the former Staley garage on Big Basin Way in Boulder Creek. He owned and operated the business for 44 years until he retired in 2018. Over the years he became a well-known member of the community. To this day, Currier is quick to offer a friendly greeting or lend a helping hand.
Over the decades, Currier volunteered his time to the Boulder Creek Fire Department (BCFD), serving as a volunteer firefighter from 1990-2014, followed by a 2015 appointment to the BCFD Board of Directors, completing the remainder of Jack Kuehl’s term. He continues to serve on the board today.
For more than 10 years, Currier and his wife Nancy ran the fire department’s Annual “Red Hot Red Hat” Golf Tournament, raising funds to purchase rescue equipment and to support many of BCFD’s community service programs. He has been known to many as the driver of BCFD’s Model T engine, which leads the BCBA’s annual 4th of July Parade each year.
As an early riser, Currier has volunteered at many of the BCFD’s pancake breakfasts, and has been a member of the BCBA for many decades. He was elected as a board member in January 2010 and served on the board until 2019.
Prior to joining the board, Currier was a BCBA member volunteer in many different forms. From 1990-2000, he maintained and operated a street sweeper that was donated to the BCBA. He operated the street sweeper every Sunday morning at 5am to clean up the downtown Highway 9 corridor.
Currier is also well known for directing traffic at the main intersection (Highways 9 and 236) each Halloween to keep the town’s local trick-or-treaters safe. As a member and a board director, he has supported just about every volunteer activity and event the BCBA hosted over many years.
“We’re enthusiastic in our support for Chris as grand marshal, and look forward to seeing our community cheer him on and celebrate his positive impact on us all,” said Tess Fitzgerald, BCBA treasurer.
In addition to the parade, the Boulder Creek Fire Department will hold its annual pancake breakfast, and the Recreation and Parks Department will have its afterparty at Junction Park from 12-5pm with music, vendors and food. For more information, visit bcba.net/events.
