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Heritage Event Calendar
Early Settlers Day
La Junta, CO
2010/09/11
2010/09/11
Early Settlers Day is one of the biggest yearly events to take place in La Junta. The festive weekend, which is in honor of our early settlers, has grown into a full day of activities that reach across to all generations and capture the imagination of “kids” of all ages.
Attendees can start their day with a deliciously prepared pancake breakfast and then enjoy the vitality, excitement, and fun of an old-fashioned street fair. The activities get kicked off with bed races followed by a full-fledged, All-American parade that showcases Rodeo and Fair Queens, marching bands, and unique, proudly crafted floats. After the parade, there is plenty of time to browse the vendor booths set up around the courthouse square. Whether your interest leans towards crafts, food, or games or some interesting information, booths open early allowing plenty of time to take them all in. Throughout the day live entertainment can be enjoyed and talent contests are held to spotlight upcoming show biz stars. There is also fishing in the city park for prizes, a softball tournament, a talent show, Guitar Hero battle, skateboard contest, bingo, treasure pit, basketball tournament, horseshoe tournament, and dunk tank. Plenty of food, including an Oyster Fry will be at the event. The fun and entertainment continues all afternoon with a street dance that night which brings the activities to a close. The idea of an Early Settlers Day celebration was borne from the desire to bring people from the surrounding communities and area into downtown La Junta. It is a long-standing tradition that is always celebrated on Saturday of the second weekend in September. For some truly down-home, old-fashioned, good clean fun and enjoyment, La Junta’s Early Settlers Day celebration is not to be missed.
