Crowds Enjoy Colorful Floats – The Alamosa News

STAFF REPORT

MANASSA — Manassa’s Main Street was lined on both sides with three to five people during the annual Pioneer Days Parade on Friday, July 19.

Friday morning’s parade featured the essentials that have defined Pioneer Days for more than a century, including horses, cowgirls and floats galore. As usual, a second parade will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m.

A giant American flag was draped over Main Street by two ladder trucks from the local fire department, near Manassa City Hall. The flag had been folded in half by a gust of wind during the first half of the parade, but was unfurled and fluttering majestically when the parade returned for the second lap.

Deja Valdez, Miss Pioneer Princess 2024, smiled and waved to the crowd from the Pioneer Princess float, dressed in a white dress.

Pioneer Days Chiefs Jerry and Sheryl Anderson and their royal family members were honored during a kickoff at Manassa Elementary on Thursday, July 18.

There were several elaborate and colorful floats that made it difficult for the judges to award prizes. But in the end, Goin’ Fishin’ by Martin Cattle Company was the winner of the Sweepstakes.

After the parade, people headed to the ever-popular Hamburger Stand to grab a bite to eat and sit on the grass under the shade of the trees on the Great Lawn of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Live music was played on the stage in the neighborhood all day and into the evening. The fairgrounds at the LDS church were busy all afternoon and evening. There was also a rodeo at the fairgrounds that day at 6:00 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 for 10 a.m. in Aspen Park. The carnival runs 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 by the lighting of M Mountain and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Pioneer Days Parade Winners

Lottery — Martin Cattle Company

1 — Rock Ridge

2 — Standard Service

3 — Larry’s Garage