MANASSA — Manassa’s Main Street was lined three to five people deep on both sides for the annual Pioneer Days Parade on Friday, July 19.
The Friday morning parade boasted the essentials that have marked Pioneer Days for more than a century now, including horses, cowgirls, and floats galore. As is tradition, a second parade will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m.
A giant American flag was draped above Main Street by two local fire department ladder trucks near Manassa Town Hall. It was doubled over on itself due to a burst of wind for the first half of the parade but was unfurled and waving majestically as the parade made its way back for the second go-around.
Smiling and waving to the crowd from the Pioneer Princess float wearing a white dress was 2024 Miss Pioneer Princess Deja Valdez.
The Pioneer Days grand marshals Jerry and Sheryl Anderson and royalty were honored during a kickoff at Manassa Elementary on Thursday, July 18.
There were several intricate and colorful floats that made it difficult for the judges when it came to handing out awards. But in the end, the Martin Cattle Company’s Goin’ Fishin’ was the Sweepstakes winner.
After the parade, people made their way to the always-popular Hamburger Stand for a bite to eat and sat on the grass in the shade of the trees on the sizable lawn of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nearby, live music was performed on the stage throughout the day and into the evening. The carnival area near the LDS Church was busy through the afternoon and night. The day also featured a rodeo at the fairgrounds at 6 p.m.
Saturday's festivities include a 5K run in the morning, followed by the parade at 10 a.m. A car show is scheduled at 10 a.m. at Aspen Park. The carnival goes from 10 a.m. to midnight. There will be live music. A rodeo in the afternoon, the fan-favorite demolition derby at 6 p.m., followed at 9 p.m. by the lighting of M Mountain and fireworks.
Pioneer Days Parade Winners
Sweepstakes — Martin Cattle Company
1 — Rock Ridge
2 — Standard Service
3 — Larry’s Garage
