The coronation of Philip and Carmen Gallegos as King and Queen of this year’s Old Timer’s celebration resulted in a $250,000 dollar smile on their faces during the festivities at Courthouse Park.
Seated beside Bill Wood and Lorraine Ocheltree, king and queen for 2012, the new royalty received their first visitor at their Sunday court, Sheryl Berry, president of the Madera County Historical Society. Berry announced to their majesties, as well as the 250 loyal subjects who had gathered for the occasion, that the Red and Nancy Arnold Foundation had donated $250,000 to the Society. Berry presented a facsimile of the check to the two queens for safekeeping.
Berry noted that Robert and Nancy Arnold lived their entire married lives in Madera County and established a charitable foundation with the intent that their estate would be used for the benefit of all residents of Madera County.
According to Berry, “the Historical Society was chosen because the Arnolds believed that the character of Madera County was forged in its rich history. They believed the Society helps preserve the county’s history and provides a place for all residents to gather.” ...