by Chris Rummell, PPM Program Manager & Michael Schiess, PPM Executive Director
If you stayed until the last part of the Alameda Fourth of July Parade you may have seen a time traveling mobile celebration of a beloved local nonprofit organization. The Pacific Pinball Museum’s lift gate truck was on full tilt, bringing out the latest tool in their chest to help spread their pinball passion and take part in the nation’s longest July 4th parade.
The 14 foot box truck was recently dressed up with images of the museum’s collection from the ’50s to present on the left and the famous Visible Pinball exhibit on the right. Decorated with large American flags on the front and bunting along the sides, spectators went wild as the truck rolled past. On the rear liftgate was a functioning 1976 Gottlieb “Pioneer” 2 player pinball machine flanked by loudspeakers playing various renditions of The Who’s classic 1969 song “Pinball Wizard”.
The crowds cheered as costumed characters George Washington, (Benjamin Liggett visiting from Memphis, Tennessee) played against Uncle Sam, (PPM Founder Michael Schiess) racking up high scores as they rolled down the 3.3 mile parade route countering the swaying action of the truck with their nimble flipper skills.
Driving the truck was PPM Marketing Manager Evan Phillippe with his partner Mortiche and her daughter Ev providing cheers and hollers to inspire the throngs of Alamedans lining the streets. Longtime museum board member and treasurer Jim Strehlow followed on his bicycle handing out brochures acting as a mobile media distributor and answering questions from interested parties.
The museum didn’t win any awards, but reveled in the sheer fun and joy of participating in this year’s event after a hiatus following the pandemic. “We are definitely planning on doing this next year!” exclaimed Evan Phillippe.
The museum is still celebrating over 20 years of being a community organization that brings art, education and fun to Alameda. Hosting groups from schools, senior centers, and other nonprofit organizations to experience their brand of “Play and Learn”, PPM has been widely recognized as “a hidden gem of Alameda.” We hope you will stop by and support this unique place.
You can even play a special Fourth Of July themed game, similar to that in the parade, each and every time you visit, to keep that old Independence day spirit rolling.
