REEDLEY – As one of Reedley’s most historic traditions grows nearer, the community is preparing to celebrate a pair of local role models.
The Reedley Lions Club has announced husband-and-wife duo, Rod and Marjie Harms, as this year’s Fiesta King and Queen. Nominated by fellow community members for their continued dedication to the city of Reedley, this annual honor has instilled the couple with a deep sense of humility.
“At first it was almost kind of embarrassing because it’s really humbling, because we know that there are so many people out there that deserve it more than we do,” said Marjie in an interview. “I feel honored now, and we’ve heard from people we haven’t heard from in years … it’s really sweet.”
Despite their humble nature and appreciation for others, the Harms have left their mark on the community through their church, involvement with local organizations and volunteer work that stretches even beyond the city limits.
As this year’s Fiesta Royalty, the pair will take part in the King and Queen Coronation on the evening of Oct. 2, as well as the parade on the morning of Oct. 3.
Both longtime residents of Reedley, Harms are intimately familiar with the Reedley Fiesta, and are happy to be a part of the tradition in a new way. Reflecting on what keeps the Fiesta as such a staple of the community, Marjie said it serves as a way to bring people together.
“I think people come back to see their family and friends that they haven’t seen for years, that they went to school with and stuff, and that’s what keeps it going,” Marjie said. “It’s a fun place for your kids, and it’s a very family-oriented event.”
Marjie said she first met Rod around 40 years ago at the iconic Kelly’s Beach restaurant, more recently known as The Wakehouse. She was still somewhat new to the area at the time, and after a friend introduced her to Rod, they quickly hit it off and have now been married for 38 years.
Rod would later go on to open his own auto shop, Rod’s Body and Paint, which he and Marjie ran for more than two decades. Rod said he sold the shop around 2020, but still very much maintains his passion for sweet rides.
“I’ve always loved motorcycles, hot rods and cars,” Rod said in an interview.
That love for motor vehicles drives his involvement with Nomad’s Car Club, which has long organized the Reedley Fiesta car show. Beyond a love for their hobby, Rod and the Nomads have raised funds for organizations such as Hartland Christian Camp, Hume Lake Christian Camps and Central Valley Teen Challenge, and even created a scholarship for Reedley High School graduates looking to take automotive classes at Reedley College.
Rod also shared that about 15 years ago, he and some of the other Nomads used donated funds to help Immanuel High School students build two classic Model T cars, which were sold to raise money for the school.
“The club was very, very involved,” Rod said. “It wasn’t just ‘Rod,’ it was the Nomads giving their time and expertise, trying to teach these kids and make it fun.”
These days, both Rod and Marjie continue their involvement with the local Rotary Club, and regularly auction off parties at their home as part of fundraiser dinners. Marjie said they like to have a theme at each of these parties, with past years including Hawaiian, 50s and old western themes.
The Harms also volunteer at Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church, where Marjie has spent previous years cooking and now serves as a greeter, and where Rod has been an usher for nearly 40 years.
Although life as a recent grandmother has kept her busy with babysitting duties in recent months, Marjie has also been known for work with the Central Valley Teen Challenge Ladies Guild, who hold an annual luncheon to support the nonprofit as well as other activities.
Across multiple decades within Reedley, the two have built up a resume of community work that could likely inspire some, but to Rod and Marjie, it’s simply what’s been asked of them through their faith.
“We’ve just done what we’re supposed to do. We don’t do this because we want a prize,” Rod said.
