Atascadero Colony Days returns with theme honoring five decades of floats
Colony Days Parade tradition began in 1974
– The Atascadero Colony Days Parade will return on Oct. 5, celebrating “50 Years of Fabulous Floats.” This year’s event will commemorate five decades of creativity and community spirit, highlighting the parade’s past, present, and future.
The Colony Days Parade tradition began in 1974, one year after the first Atascadero Colony Days Festival. Float-building has since become a central feature of the parade. Participants this year are encouraged to craft floats reflecting the theme while showcasing the region’s natural beauty and historical architecture.
“Atascadero Colony Days has always been about bringing the community together to celebrate our unique identity,” said Elizabeth Enriquez-Phillips, parade director with the Colony Days Committee. “This year’s theme is especially meaningful as it reflects on the parade’s rich history while looking forward to the future. We’re excited to see the creativity that our community will bring to life with their floats.”
The 2024 Colony Days theme logo draws inspiration from the 1970s, California’s state flower, and a Sweepstakes-winning float by Frank Sanchez, a prominent community figure and the 2016 Atascadero Colony Days King. Sanchez shared a photo of his float, “Sunday at the Sunken Gardens,” which won Sweepstakes in the Pioneer Days parade. His float and photo influenced this year’s theme logo, symbolizing the parade’s legacy of creativity and collaboration.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Oct. 5, starting on Lewis Avenue behind the Administration Building. It will proceed down Capistrano, turn onto CA-41 into El Camino Real, and return via West Mall. The event is free and open to the public. After the parade, the Colony Days Festival will feature food vendors, arts and crafts, and activities for all ages. Local business Huckleberry’s will serve breakfast, lunch, and beignets all day in Tent City.
Organizers are seeking sponsors and volunteers to support the parade. Interested individuals can visit ColonyDays.org to register or learn more.
Colony Days Week 2024 Schedule:
- Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.: Quota of Atascadero Tea at Atascadero Bible Church
- Wednesday, Oct. 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Colony Days Mixer at Colony Cinemas, 6917 El Camino Real
- Friday, Oct. 4, 5:30 p.m.: Colony Days Tent City at First Fridays, Plaza at El Camino with Carbon City Lights
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024:
- 9 to 11 a.m.: Breakfast at Huckleberry’s in Tent City
- 10 a.m.: Colony Days Parade
- After the parade to 3 p.m.: Vendors, entertainment, and food at Sunken Gardens
- 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Colony Days Dog Race sign-ups
- 11:30 a.m.: Dog Costume Contest sign-ups
- 12 p.m.: Dog Costume Contest
- 12:30 p.m.: Wiener and small dog races
- 1 p.m.: Colony Days Parade awards
About Atascadero Colony Days:
Established in 1973, Atascadero Colony Days celebrates the founding and history of Atascadero, featuring a parade, festival, and various community activities.
