Staff Report
The 72nd annual Los Alamos Valley Old Days Celebration is set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 28-30, with plenty of fun for all ages in the historic, Western-style town.
With no admission charges, residents and visitors gather every year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western culture.
Highlights include Friday evening’s Chili Kick-off Party & Dance, two-day Peddlers’ Mart & Artisan Faire, Saturday’s car show and Sunday morning’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.”
The celebration is sponsored by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, a nonprofit organization of men, women and families dedicated to preserving the town’s unique Western character and hospitality.
The club, supported by tax-deductible donations, provides scholarships for local students and funding for organizations, and offers its facilities to rent for events.
To get more information or to register to enter the parade, log onto www.facebook.com/LosAlamosValleyMensClub/.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY
6 – 8 p.m. (or till the food runs out): Old Days Chili Kick-Off Party: Enjoy chili, corn bread, and all the fixings to begin the celebration with a tasty kick. Featuring chili by several local businesses and LAVMC members. No host, cash only, full service bar. Chili cook-off winner announced. Tickets $7 per bowl at the door.
Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, 429 Leslie Street, corner of Centennial & Leslie St, Downtown Los Alamos.
8 – 11 p.m.: Dance featuring a local band (21 and over); $10 per person at the door.
SATURDAY
7 – 10:30 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast on the patio at the Men’s Club. Prepared by and proceeds going to the Los Alamos Junior Grange. $10 adults and $6 children under age 12.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Peddlers Mart and Food Booths along Bell Street (Hwy 135).
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Car show along Bell Street
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (or till the food runs out): Tri -tip beef sandwich barbecue, beer garden and music on the patio at the Men’s Club. Sandwich $8 (chips and drinks sold separately). Cold drinks and shaded tables available.
Noon: Cow Pie Bingo on Bell Street. Pick a square. Look for the cow on the West end of Bell Street.
5:30 – 8 p.m.: Old Days “Happy Hour” and silent auction at the Men’s Club. No host, cash only bar (until 9:00 p.m.) and music. Light fare will be available for purchase.
All proceeds support LAVMC youth activities. (21 & over only please);
SUNDAY
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.: Non-denominational worship service in Ferrini Park led by Rev. Warren Einolander from the Cottonwood Community Fellowship, Los Alamos. All ages invited.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Peddlers Mart and food booths along Bell Street.
9:30– 10:30 a.m.: Los Alamos Old Days Stampede 5K Run/Walk. Meet in Ferrini Park. Awards in five divisions (male and female) — 10 & under, 11-19; 20-39; 40-59 and 60+ years old. $20 per runner. All proceeds benefit Cal Swoosh Sports, a nonprofit organization providing sports opportunities for youth.
11 a.m.– 12:15 p.m.: Greatest Little Small Town Parade starts at Bell Street and Augusta Street and continues west down Bell Street, ending at St. Joseph Street. Free to participate.
12:15 – 2:30 p.m.: The LAVMC tri-tip barbecue with all the fixin’s, including beans, bread, salad, and salsa (drinks sold separately). $10 adults, $8 seniors age 55+ or kids 10 & under on the Men’s Club patio. Live music, cold drinks and shaded tables.
3 p.m.: Celebration concludes.
