History Of The McCloud Community Recreation Council
Information from the Siskiyou Pioneer
McCloud issue 1997 Volume 6 Number 10
The Siskiyou County Historical Society
In 1947 the town Baseball team, known as the McCloud Loggers, was experiencing financial difficulties. This team had been in existence for 20 years a meeting was planned to figure out how to raise money. Attending the first organizat
ion meeting was Eddie Belanger, Bob Lang, Harry Doyle, Ray Ebbe and others, who decided to do a local fund raiser called “The Lumberjack Fiesta". This Fiesta was built around booths, concessions, Lumberjack skills &contests. Proceeds were not a lot, but Fiesta itself was a huge success and plans were put into motion to make Fiesta an annual event each year for friends and family near and far. The McCloud Community Recreation Council was then formed with representation from each organization, club and businesses the ruling body. Youth recreation programs were its main priority. Under the direction of Mr. & Mrs. Allen Carter, in 1948 the Lumberjack Fiesta was changed to include Aquacades, Rock & Gem Shows, The Big Sunday Parades, a Kiddy Parade, Hobby Shows, Horse Shows, Chuck Wagon Breakfasts, and bigger and better booths. In 1955 the little railroad was added, the Elephant Train in 1960, and the Merry - Go - Round & Kiddy rides in 1965. It was in 1968 that McCloud experienced its first logging contest. There were many bands and orchestras over the years, special features included a circus, St. Mary's Chinese Girl Drum & Bugle Corp (from S.F.), parachute jumping contests, lumberjack contests with imported lumberjacks, talent shows, square dancing contests along with the Fireman's Association bucket brigade, tug-o-wars and water hose competitions. (We would love to see these events return to Fiesta!)
Over the years of growth, the MCRC brought to the community men and women softball teams, little league baseball, pony & babe ruth leagues, little league basketball, ski schools, a girls dancing school, swimming lessons, summer recreation programs, golf lessons, as well as band instruments and uniforms. MCRC also added lights to the ballpark, grandstands for the pool and built the Scout Hall for the Girl & Boy Scouts and other youth organizations. The MCRC also took over operations of the McCloud Swimming Pool. There were plans for many more youth programs and activities but the current MCRC is not sure what happened. We know that at the time of all this growth and progress McCloud was a company owned town and everyone pitched in and helped. Mother McCloud was the main financial and working body for Fiesta, and without her support, the MCRC has struggled more and more every year. This is added on from MCRC:
Due to the declining population in McCloud and the declining volunteer base, the McCloud Community Recreation Council has been kept alive by a handful of dedicated McCloud residents. Unfortunately, even the best volunteers get burnt out and the leadership of the MCRC has changed year after year. With the challenges of: Insurance, Permit fees, Awards, Lack of volunteers, Lack of industry and the Lack of economic growth for families,
Fiesta has become a challenge each year to organize; Fiesta is MCRC’s main fund raiser as well as part of McCloud’s history. for 72 years MCRC was a 501c4, MCRC is now a 501c3. The McCloud Community Recreation Council provides fun activities for kids and the community. It feels good when MCRC can help and give back to the McCloud Community when small opportunities arise.
