For Doug Rice, Colony Days has been a part of life in Atascadero for generations. From marching in the parade as a young student to helping behind the scenes alongside his mother, Maggie Vandergon — the founder of the Colony Days Parade and its very first Grand Marshal. Now, after a lifetime spent in the community, Doug has been selected as the 2026 Colony Days Grand Marshal.
Born in 1967, Doug has lived his entire life in Atascadero. His connection to Colony Days began when he participated in band throughout his K-12 school years. From 1980 through 1985, he marched in the Atascadero Junior High School marching band during Colony Days parades.
But Doug's involvement extended beyond marching down the parade route. During those years, he worked alongside his mother, Maggie, on many Colony Days projects. The two helped with many of the tasks that made the annual celebration possible, including selling Colony Days buttons, preparing for the parade and even announcing the parade alongside Barbie Butz.
Those early experiences gave Doug a firsthand appreciation for the volunteers and community members who have kept Colony Days traditions alive through the years.
Today, Doug continues to live and work locally as the owner of Rice's Fresh Water Guide Service, remaining an active part of the Atascadero community.
Family also remains an important part of Doug's life. He and his wife, Lisa, have been married for four years. The couple is currently renovating the original house where Doug grew up, preserving a tangible piece of his personal history in the community.
Doug and Lisa are also proud grandparents to their granddaughter, Sage. Their family includes Doug's son, Colton, and his wife, McKenzie.
For Doug, being named Grand Marshal represents a full-circle moment. The young boy who once marched in Colony Days parades and helped his mother prepare for the festivities will now lead the celebration.
His story is also a reflection of the continuity that makes Colony Days meaningful to Atascadero. The annual celebration connects generations of residents through traditions, memories and community involvement. Doug has experienced that connection from many perspectives — as a student, volunteer, local business owner, husband, father and grandfather.
Throughout his life in Atascadero, Doug has watched the community change while remaining connected to the traditions that helped shape it.
Past Colony Day Grand Marshals
2025 — Mike Zappas
2024 — Karen McNamara
2023 — Robert “Grigger” Jones
2022 — Ann Little
2021 — Joan Rexroth
2020 — No Royalty*
2019 — Flora Mae Adams
2018 — Bob Brown
2017 — Jerry Tanimoto
2016 — Grenda Ernst
2015 — Barbie Butz
2014 — Cap Capper
2013 — Atascadero Centennial*
2012 — Ken Gouff
2011 — Marileon Barclay
2010 — Fritz Larson
2009 — Dewey Girard
2008 — Ron Nelson
2007 — Kelly Gearhart
2006 — Roger Cook
2005 — Buddy Villa
2004 — Jerry Clay
2003 — Marj Mackey
2002 — Lon Allan
2001 — Rich Martinez
2000 — Leighton Cook
1999 — Edith Hessick
1998 — Jim Dulitz
1997 — Jerry De Cou
1996 — Clark Herman
1995 — None
1994 — Maggie Vandergon — First Grand Marshal
