For Russ and Teri Ramos, being named the Newman Fall Festival Grand Marshals is more than a title. It is a celebration of family, community, service and a town that has been woven into their lives for generations.

The couple learned of the honor when Brandon Mello came to their door to share the news. Teri almost did not answer at first because she thought he was someone from Sunrun. Once she realized what Mello was actually telling them, the surprise began to sink in.

Russ and Teri said they are extremely honored and excited to have been chosen as grand marshals and understand what a special recognition it is in a community that has meant so much to their family.

Their Newman story stretches back many years. Russ grew up in Newman, while Teri also had deep ties to the community, spending holidays and summers in town with family while growing up. When their children were young, the couple had the opportunity to move back to Newman and chose to raise their family here.

That decision became even more meaningful because their children grew up in the same town where their father, their Grandpa Ramos and their Grandma Caroline Perry had attended school. With five children involved in school and sports, Russ and Teri became active throughout the community.

Coaching became a big part of Russ’s life, as all five of their children participated in sports. The couple’s involvement was not about being in the spotlight, but about helping wherever they were needed.

Teri also became closely involved with the Newman Fall Festival, serving on the committee for several years and later as Fall Festival chairman. She still laughs about how that happened, remembering that she missed a meeting while she and Russ were in Salinas and came home to learn she had been voted in. After stepping away for a short time, Teri later returned as an executive committee member. Russ has also been a steady presence at the festival, helping in different ways and announcing the Fall Festival Parade for several years from the park side of the parade route.

As Teri joked, “I guess he’ll have to give up the microphone this year!”

For the Ramos family, the Fall Festival has always been filled with memories. One of their favorite stories involves their daughter Kiley, whose birthday is Sept. 1. When Kiley was little, Russ and Teri managed to convince her for several years that the Fall Festival was actually her birthday party.

They also remember watching their children participate in the lip sync contests and seeing family and friends return to Newman for the festival each year. The vendors, music, volleyball, carnival and parade all help make the weekend special, but for Russ and Teri, the heart of the festival has always been the people.

What they value most is the sense of community: seeing old friends, making new ones and watching generations of Newman families come together. This year, they are especially looking forward to having their children and grandchildren with them during the parade. After spending so many years watching from the sidelines, and with Russ often announcing the parade, it will be a very different experience to find themselves in the middle of it.

The honor also comes after a difficult year and a half for the Ramos family. They lost their eldest daughter, Kelsy, and Teri’s mother, Caroline, passed away in April. Being selected as Grand Marshals has been a bright spot during a painful season. Through those difficult moments, Russ and Teri said the Newman community surrounded their family with love and support. They said they could never fully thank the community for everything it has done for them.

“We love Newman and feel incredibly fortunate that we were able to raise our family here,” Russ and Teri shared. “To be chosen as Grand Marshals of a tradition that has been part of our family’s life for so many years is an honor we will never forget.”

Russ and Teri have also built a lasting life together beyond their community service. The couple has been married for 47 years, after marrying on April 7, 1979, and they hope, with God’s grace, to share many more years together. As the Newman Fall Festival approaches, Russ and Teri Ramos will step into the parade not only as Grand Marshals, but as longtime community members whose story reflects what the festival has always celebrated: family, tradition, service and love for Newman.