Ralph Freitas is the Honorary Mayor of Burney for 2018. His victory in the Mayor’s Race was announced at the Burney High School Football field at the Kid Fit opening event of Burney Basin Days Thursday evening July 5.
Burney Chamber President Sandy McCullar and Jill Daugherty welcome Ralph Freitas as 2018 Honorary Mayor of Burney
The Mayor’s race is a fun annual event in which public-minded citizens raise funds for favorite charities. The one who raises the most money becomes the new mayor. Four candidates competed in this year’s race.
2017 Honorary Mayor Jill Daugherty, 2018 Honorary Mayor Ralph Freitas, and candidates Katie Small, Jen Luck, and VFW Commander J.P. Wheeler (representing Destiny Tavares)
Burney Chamber of Commerce President introduced each candidate who then spoke briefly about their cause. Ralph raised money for the Burney Fire District. The money will be used to buy new pagers for volunteers. Jen Luck raised money for Burney Beautification. Katie Small raised money for Burney sports, and Destiny Tavares raised money for “past, present, and future veterans.” Ms. Tavares was represented at the event by VFW Post 5689 Commander J.P. Wheeler.
Altogether, the four candidates raised $3,082.31. After Ralph was announced as the winner, 2017 Honorary Mayor Jill Daugherty placed a top hat on his head and draped him with his Honorary Mayor’s ribbon. All of the candidates then shared a high five.
High Five
Mayor Freitas said that he hoped to ride in the Burney Fire District fire truck during the Burney Basin Days Parade.
Shortly after the ceremony Freitas performed his first official duty by judging the closing Kid Fit watermelon-eating contest.
Mayor Ralph Freitas judging the watermelon eating contest
Pit River Country 