MANASSA — The annual Manassa Pioneer Days, a celebration of history, legacy and family, is July 18-20.
Manassa Pioneer Days is one of the oldest festivals in the state of Colorado, tracing its history back to the founding of Manassa in 1879 by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The celebration packs the town with carnival rides, fair food, Miss Pioneer princesses, and the event’s crown jewel, the parade — a parade so spectacular, it runs up and down Main Street twice on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Following is the celebration schedule:
Thursday, July 18
Miss Pioneer and her court will be crowned at 6 p.m. at a new location, Manassa Elementary gymnasium. There will be live and silent auctions. Silent bids begin at 6 p.m. and the live auction begins at 7 p.m. Food vendors will be at the school. The carnival opens at 7 p.m.
Friday, July 19
Featuring elegant floats and entries, the parade will run at 10 a.m. up and down Main Street. The carnival will run from 10 a.m. to just before midnight. Long waited for its food, the Hamburger Stand will be open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. at its usual spot next to Town Hall.
Live entertainment will be offered following the parade at Dempsey Park.
Mutton Bustin’ will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the rodeo at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds east of Manassa.
Live Music
Noon to 2 p.m. - Daniel Beddoes and the Common Souls
2:45 to 3:45 p.m. - The Front Line
4:40 to 6:30 p.m. - Sol Boyz
7:15 to 9 p.m. - Absolution
Saturday, July 20
The carnival will run from 10 a.m. to just before midnight and live music is planned to follow the parade at Jack Dempsey Park.
The parade will be at 10 a.m.
Following the parade, is the Conejos County La Jara Rotary annual Pioneer Days Duck Races at the intersection of M and County Road 15.
The third annual Manassa Pioneer Days Car Show will be at Aspen Park beginning at 10 a.m.
Rodeo slack events will take place at the fairgrounds at 8 a.m. The rodeo is at 12:30 p.m.
The Hamburger Stand will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The roaring, crashing fan-favorite demolition derby will roll out at 6 p.m., followed at 9 p.m. by the lighting of the M Mountain and a fireworks display.
Live Music
Noon to 2 p.m. - Ol’ Scratch
2:45 to 3:45 p.m. - SLV Big Band
4:40 to 6:30 p.m. - Indian Nickel
7:15 to 9 p.m. - Hazy Blues
For more information, visit www.manassapioneerdays.com.
