Harry Boucher was born on Dec. 28, 1940, at his grandmother’s house in Delhi, and spent his first night nestled in the top drawer of her dresser.

“And I’m still top-drawer,” joked Boucher, who has been selected to be the grand marshal of the Turlock Independence Day Parade on July 3.

Hailed as one of the city’s most respected community leaders, Boucher is the longtime owner of Carr’s Cleaners – an historic downtown business serving the city since 1945 – and Boucher helped preserve a tradition of locally owned businesses that build lasting relationships throughout Turlock and the Central Valley.

“It’s an honor,” said Boucher. “And it’s a big honor. It’s more than one could expect; I don’t know what I did to make it happen.”

For starters, Boucher was a member of the Turlock business community for 47 years. He purchased Carr’s Cleaner’s in 1979 and retired from full-time work just three weeks ago. His motto has always been “take care of your community.”

“Take care of your community and it will take care of you,” Boucher expanded. “I think that was proven out over 47 years.”

Boucher was named the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year in 1993. He not only helped grow Carr’s Cleaners into a local institution but also became a leading advocate for California’s dry-cleaning industry, serving as a past president of the California Fabricare Institute (now known as California Cleaners Association).

A year later, Gov. Pete Wilson appointed Boucher to a state task force charged with investigating sources of perchloroethylene contamination. Boucher helped identify numerous contributors beyond the dry-cleaning industry, including aging municipal sewer infrastructure. His efforts earned him multiple statewide honors, including lifetime achievement recognition for his service to the industry.

Boucher was also one of the driving forces behind what is now known as the Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association (TDPOA), helping establish the vision and foundation for the modern downtown community. Through his leadership with the Downtown Association and PBID advisory board, Boucher played a key role in shaping revitalization efforts, strengthening local business collaboration, and creating a district centered on community pride and economic growth.
Boucher volunteered countless hours for local schools, downtown organizations, and various charitable causes. For more than 35 years, Carr’s Cleaners has partnered with Westside Ministries in support of the Coats for Kids program, helping clean and distribute winter coats to children in need. Through this effort, more than 40,000 coats have been processed and provided to families throughout the region.

Boucher, who has been a member of Valley Hope Christian Church since 1973, said his greatest pride is his family. He and his wife, Sandy, raised three sons: Derek (a high school teacher in Fresno), Craig (a programmer at Stanislaus State), and Chad, who followed in his father’s footsteps in the dry-cleaning industry and developed equipment innovations used within the profession. The Bouchers have nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The Turlock Independence Day Parade grand marshal is selected by a committee consisting of Alta Fernandes, Randy Woods and Lori Smith. The committee seeks individuals who embody the spirit of service, community pride, and patriotic leadership. Grand marshal nominees may be veterans, first responders, local heroes, long-standing volunteers, business leaders, or individuals who have made a significant and lasting positive impact on the Turlock community.

The parade will get underway at 6:30 p.m. After the parade, a holiday festival – featuring the Makin’ Noise band as well as vendors – will be held at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. At dusk (estimated to be at around 9 p.m.), a fireworks display will be held.

Parking, in the ag lot near Canal Drive and Soderquist Road, is available for $10, and each parking pass comes with four $4-off coupons for use inside the festival. There is no charge to enter the fairgrounds for the festival.

On July 4, the annual downtown car show, the Turlock Certified Farmers Market, and Market Turlock will get underway at 8 a.m.