Community Corner

Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal Takes Drivers Seat

Bill Neighbors has held a lot of roles in Watsonville. Hear all about it.

For years, Bill Neighbors has driven the Fourth of July grand marshal down Watsonville's Main Street in a swanky Chevrolet.

This year, Neighbors will again drive the car, but he also is the man of the hour. last month.

Monday, he stopped by Chevrolet of Watsonville to check out the 2012 Chevy Corvette convertible he'll pilot through the parade next week.

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Doug Mattos, who puts on special events for the city of Watsonville and is on the parade grand marshal selection committee, said Neighbors was a unanimous choice for parade ambassador.

"There were some fabulous candidates in there," Mattos said. "... Hew as definitely well-deserving because of all the things he's done in the community."

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Neighbors talks about his background here, in his own words.

I have lived in Watsonville with my wife Virgie for over 43 years. I was born in the Midwest and came to Watsonville while serving in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Ord. I started volunteering and getting involved giving back to community in 1969 when I met Alex Solano. Mr. Solano was always helping someone and doing great things for our schools and many other community needs, he got me involved. I worked for Coca-Cola for over 25 years and they too believe in giving back to your community where you work and live. 

I have served on many commissions and boards such as Watsonville Planning Commission, Santa Cruz County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Watsonville Police Assistant Board, raising funds for the Watsonville Police Department for such things as a police dog, sending officers to gang training and other important community programs. I am past president of Watsonville PAL Board and still involved helping raising funds for our local children. I have been serving on the Santa Cruz County Mobile Home Commission for over four years, two of which as chair. I served on the Chamber of Commerce on the government affairs board; I have been a volunteer for the Watsonville Air Show for eight years, Watsonville Police Volunteer for over 20 years; member of the Watsonville Post Incident Team; I have worked with Watsonville Parks and Community Services. I was the co-founder of the Watsonville National Night Out and still work with Watsonville Police Department and Watsonville Parks and Community Services each year on the event.

I was chosen as the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year 2009 and awarded Santa Cruz County Volunteer of the year 2008.  I am still serving on the committee for the Fourth of July Parade, Strawberry Festival, Snow Day and other events in Watsonville. I am co-chairmen of the Watsonville Veteran’s Day parade and program. I have help raised several thousand dollars to support local non-profit organizations. I am a member of the Watsonville Rotary.  I work with the Watsonville YMCA to raise awareness about our beautiful YMCA and help to raise funds for our low income families to be able to enjoy the YMCA... and other projects.

I would not be able to do this over the years if it wasn’t for my wife Virgie’s support and understanding.

The Spirit of Watsonville Parade rolls down Main Street at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4.


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