Downieville, CA

"Everyone knows your name"

Nominated by LIz Fisher

July 4th is a very big day in Downieville, with the whole town chipping in to make sure it goes off without a hitch. (Credit: Liz Fisher)

In Downieville, everyone knows you, your family, your friends, your dog, your cat, your bird by their first name — and when there are visitors, tourists, strangers, or new residents, we notice you, talk to you, help you.

Everything that happens here is because of those who live and volunteer in DIG, Downieville Improvement Group, Downieville Volunteer Fire & EMS Department, Downieville Lions Club, Downieville School, the Catholic, Methodist and Assembly of God Churches, the Boy & Girl Scouts, and JMS Charity. If the people who live here don’t do it, it doesn’t happen.

The July 4th Parade is filled with local people, and parades through the three blocks of downtown Downieville twice, we have the world’s largest presentation of fireless fireworks at the end of the parade. JMS Charity (Jesus, Moses, Santa) is just anonymous citizens who give money in cards at Christmas/Holidays to help those who need help have a happier holiday. Western Sierra Food Bank supported by locals gives food baskets three times a year.

Anyone who needs help gets help.

The people of Downieville make their own fun — if something needs getting done, the people do it. (Credit: Liz Fisher)
“If you want to have fun, make it happen.” — Liz Fisher, Downieville resident (Credit: Liz Fisher)