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!
Friday, July 3rd is Downtown Day in Paonia. Take a stroll down Grand Avenue to browse sidewalk sales. Area businesses and it’s a great time to catch up with old classmates or other festival goers.
The festivities in the park start the 3rd as well, with the Adventure Zone and Booths going strong. Take the opportunity to grab a bite from the food trucks and check out the lineup on the Gazebo Stage.
Cherry Days is always centered around Independence Day, the 4th of July. The fun begins downtown bright and early with the North Fork Rotary’s annual Pancake Breakfast at Town Hall and the Cherry Days 5K. 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. Kids are sure to be entertained by Adventure Zone attractions in the football field.