Surrounded by friends and family Thursday night, Mayor Alan Autry makes a grand entrance into his farewell party on horseback and then almost onto his back, to none other than the music of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans’ "Happy Trails."

Those closest to him figured the best way to see him out of office would be to "roast" him out, so they did, starting with Fresno City Council President Blong Xiong.

Then Fresno County Superintendant of Schools, Larry Powell poked fun at one of the mayor's many play on words.

One by one, leaders from around the Central Valley took turns taking jabs at the mayor, but some did stop to give thanks, like Senator Jim Costa.

Thankful he says, for the mayor's sense of style.

Mayor-Elect Ashley Swearengin also took the stage Thursday night, giving a little boost to Mayor Autry's ego.

Alan Autry was elected Mayor of Fresno in November of 2000.

He is best known for his role as "Captain, Bubba Skinner" on the TV series, "In The Heat of the Night."

He will transfer power to the Swearengin administration on January 6th.

For Preston Phillips’ full story, click on the video link above.