After year’s absence, annual event is ‘Back in the Saddle’

By Raiza Giorgi

Los Alamos Days is “Back in the Saddle” for its annual celebration after the town had to cancel last year’s festivities due to COVID-19. The festival promises plenty of fun and entertainment for the whole family on the weekend of Sept. 24-26.

“Old Days” is a harvest-season opportunity to experience the historical town as it celebrates its country roots with attractions including the chili cook off and dinner dance with iconic tri-tip sandwiches.

This year’s theme is “Back in the Saddle” and the event’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade,” which will take place at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26, will feature many equestrian riders and entries.

Other weekend festivities include a Chili Cook Off starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, with the announcement of the grand marshal for the parade.

Then on Saturday, Sept. 25, there will be a car show on Centennial Street, starting at Bell Street, and the Artisan Faire at Ferrini Park starting at 9 a.m. until the mid-afternoon. The dinner dance starts at 5 p.m.

Admission at Los Alamos Valley Old Days is generally free, with paid portions of the weekend benefitting a variety of local organizations and the all-volunteer, philanthropic Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club, which sponsors, coordinates and hosts the annual event.

Visitors revel alongside Los Alamos residents as they honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western heritage.

To get more information or to register to enter the parade, log onto www.losalamosolddays.com.