A Saturday to Remember: 50th Anniversary Parade, Preacher Lawson Onstage, and Saddle Up for Fall

Saddle Up for Fall on the last Saturday in September was one of the activities on and off-campus that made the day a special one for Saint Mary's students and the town of Moraga. / Photo by Francis Tatem

A Saturday to Remember: 50th Anniversary Parade, Preacher Lawson Onstage, and Saddle Up for Fall

by SMC Office of Marketing & Communications | October 7, 2024

For the last weekend in September, Saint Mary’s served up a Saturday to remember.

This year the town of Moraga has been celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding, and the morning of September 28 meant it was time for —with the Saint Mary’s Gaels there in force!

More than 150 students, staff, faculty, and other members of the Saint Mary’s community took part in the celebration. There were Gael athletes from Men’s Rugby, Women’s Basketball, Baseball, and Women’s Cross Cross Country & Track, along with participants from Performing Arts and the Intercultural Center, the Dante Club, Gael Sisterhood, the Residence Hall Association, and more.

“Though I was traveling for the Golden State Gaels Tour and couldn't be there myself, I'm proud of all the Gaels students, staff, and faculty members who marched and proudly waved the SMC banner!” SMC President Roger Thompson posted on Instagram. “A hearty congratulations to Mayor Teresa Onoda, the Town Council, and all of their colleagues for putting together such a great event. Well done!”

Town of Moraga's 50th Anniversary Parade

Photos by Sofia Mastroianni

Scenes from Moraga's 50th Anniversary Parade — Gaels represent: The Saint Mary's contingent at the Town of Moraga's 50th Anniversary parade was one of the event's largest.

Preacher Lawson

Photos by Sofia Mastroianni

Preacher Lawson, best known for his appearance on season 12 of NBC’s hit series America’s Got Talent (2017), kicked off the on-campus events with a free comedy show made possible by the generosity of donors. The show provided students, faculty, and De Le Salle Christian Brothers with some afternoon laughs.

Some 75 Gael students chatted with Preacher Lawson afterward during a special “meet and greet.”

Preacher Lawson comedy event — The best medicine: Comedian Preacher Lawson performs at SMC's Soda Center, delighting Gael students and inspiring much laughter.

Saddle Up for Fall at SMC

Photos by Francis Tatem

Then it was time for Saddle Up for Fall, featuring line dancing, live music, food trucks, bull riding, crafts, and other western-themed activities. Students tried their hand at axe throwing, hung on while riding the mechanical bull, and interacted with some farm animals in the petting zoo.