MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Parades have been a part of summer in Middletown since the town was born in 1870.

But the fun and festivities – and the parade – enjoyed by so many every Father’s Day weekend when Middletown Days comes around started in 1961.

The birthing of that event will be the subject of Gibson Museum’s Fireside Chat on Sunday, May 29.

Bob Donley will be guest speaker at the chat, which begins at 3 p.m. at the museum, 21267 Calistoga Road in Middletown.

Admission is free, refreshments will be offered before the question period.

Donley was among the movers and shakers of the time who helped found Central Park, the Middletown Central Park Association and all the Middletown Days festivities.

It began with setting up gymkhanas and rodeo events for young people who wanted to prove their horsemanship.

The Pope Valley Riders, many of whom lived in south Lake County, were promoters of that, and Donley was one of them. It evolved to add a barbecue, a dance, a breakfast, a parade and other fun.

As an octogenarian, Donley finds few of the event’s founding folk still around.

Donley himself still frequently participates in rodeos throughout Northern California. He has some fascinating tales to tell.

For further information, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call Nina at 707-987-2349.