Many retailers are leaders in their businesses and in their local communities, but it’s not every day they get to show off that leadership in a parade.
The management team of Pacific Ace Hardware in Vacaville, California, had that opportunity when they served as grand marshals for their community’s annual parade.
Cousins and co-owners Scott and David McKenzie and David’s son and manager Ian McKenzie helped lead the 62nd annual Fiesta Days.
In addition to leading the parade, the trio of grand marshals attended a variety of events, from pageants and car shows to community barbecues. The group opened up the festivities with a speech about the operation’s roots in Vacaville. Coincidentally, Pacific Ace Hardware has also been a community staple for 62 years.
“It was a real honor to serve as grand marshals for this event. We’ve participated in Fiesta Days for a long time, but not on this scale,” says Ian. “We’ve had five generations here in Vacaville, so we know a lot of people in town.”
In addition to leading the parade, Pacific Ace Hardware had representation with employees, friends and family riding through the parade on a float they constructed.
Ian says customers are happy to see a long-standing operation in town have this opportunity.
“Customers have come into the store congratulating us,” Ian says. “That’s always nice to hear.”