Paonia Cherry Days
Origin History Significance
By Stu Carlson, Staff Writer, High Country Spotlight & Shopper
The first Cherry Days was planned by the Lion’s Club as a simple fundraiser to secure lights for the football field. This celebration met with such great success that it has continued for 78 years. The activities associated with Cherry Days are numerous and planning for the event rests in the hands of the all-volunteer Cherry Days 4-Ever Committee.
Cherry Days is a celebration of long-standing traditions, class reunions, wholesome fun, and entertainment. It still evokes that rare nostalgia found only in small-town festivals. Whether you’re a Paonia native, new to the North Fork, or just visiting, grab a spot at the parade and immerse yourself in this year’s celebration. See you at Cherry Days!
Enjoy all the fun!
Cherry Days is always centered around Independence Day, the 4th of July, which happens to kick off the festivities this year on Thursday. The fun begins downtown bright and early with the North Fork Rotary’s annual Pancake Breakfast at Town Hall. Spectators begin to line the street by 9:00 in anticipation of the Cherry Days Parade.
Tractor contraptions, horse teams, Cherry Days royalty and floats representing local businesses, sports teams, class reunions and more will all make their way past the judges and crowds as candy is tossed to eager little hands. Perhaps the longest running participants in the parade is the Clown Band, whose original colorful outfits were made from dyed World War II parachutes.
Later, in Paonia’s picturesque Town Park, festivalgoers enjoy browsing the arts and crafts booths and sampling from the food vendors while enjoying more music from the park’s stage. This year, kids are sure to be entertained by Adventure Zone attractions in the football field.
July 5 is Downtown Day in Paonia. Take a stroll down Grand Avenue to browse sidewalk sales and enjoy the free food sponsored by the local banks. Area businesses and sports teams all offer goodies, and it’s a great time to catch up with old classmates or other festival goers while listening to the free music.
There will be more fun to be had on Saturday, July 6, in the park as the Adventure Zone and Booths will still be going strong. Take the opportunity to grab a bite from the food trucks and check out the Saturday lineup on the Gazebo Stage.