There’s a New Grand Marshal in Town

After six weeks vying for the title, “Sioux City” Sue Gore has beaten out Tim “Cockroach Cowboy” Cooley to become Conejo Valley Days’ grand marshal.

Cooley will be the deputy marshal for this year’s parade.

Cooley and Gore held about 30 fund-raising events for their respective charities since the Kickoff Picnic on March 18, hoping to raise the most money to earn the title. The money Cooley raised will go to his two sponsoring clubs, the Rotary Club and Boy Scouts of America. Gore’s money will benefit the Soroptimists International of the Conejo and the Hospice of the Conejo.

Gore and Cooley held their final fund-raisers at Borderline Bar and Grill on Friday. When the money was counted, Gore had raised $38,000 and Cooley $30,000.

Gore said she was stunned.

“I felt we were fighting an uphill battle all the way,” she said. “Cooley had an extensive club supporting him.”

Although this is the first year Gore has run for grand marshal, she’s no stranger to the Conejo Valley Days’ organization. She has been involved behind the scenes since 1985. Her husband, John, was grand marshal in 1983 and is passing on his expertise as her campaign manager.

“We are the first husband-wife team. That’s another reason I wanted to win,” Gore said.

Gore held 17 fund-raisers and said her biggest one was the wine tasting and auction at the Westlake Yacht Club.