Pony Express Days 2023

Pony Express Days 20 23

Put on a cowboy hat, shine up your boots and head out for some fun with your neighbors!

Get Your Equipment Ready for the Season!

WELCOME!

Join us once again as we extend a warm welcome from the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce to experience the annual Pony Express Days celebration.

Dating back to 1968, this cherished tradition started as a delightful gathering featuring a family-friendly barbecue, a captivating parade, and an exciting equestrian race. Over time, it has become known as McKinleyville’s signature yearly event, capturing the essence of our vibrant community.

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We are overjoyed to celebrate this beloved occasion in its 55th year! Pony Express Days has continually evolved over the years, adapting to the changing interests of our town, the dedicated volunteers, and all those involved in making this celebration a reality.

This year’s Pony Express Days will bring back familiar favorites, including the Chili Cook-off, Pancake Breakfast, Parade and festival. The spirit of fun and camaraderie will remain at the heart of the annual festivities.

We invite you to join us, gathering with your cherished friends and neighbors to revel in the joyous celebration. Don your cowboy hat, polish your boots, and prepare for a memorable time alongside your community! The McKinleyville Chamber Board of Directors expresses deep gratitude for your unwavering support, which bolsters our remarkable McKinleyville community. May you delight in the festivities and create cherished memories.

For further information, please contact the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce at (707) 839-2449 or visit our website at www. mckinleyvillechamber.com, where you can find the dedicated page highlighting Pony Express Days!

Jesse Miles, McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce

1640 Central Ave, McKinleyville 707.839.2449 jesse@McKinleyvillechamber.com

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all from the comfort of a climate

FESTIVAL RULES

• Please ensure that alcohol is consumed only in the cups provided.

• All patrons are subject to search for security purposes.

SERVICE

SALES PARTS

• It is not permitted to consume alcoholic beverages outside the designated area during the chili cook off and the festival.

• You must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol.

• Bringing alcohol into or out of the event is strictly prohibited.

• Ice chests are not allowed.

• Weapons of any kind are prohibited within the event premises.

• To consume alcohol during the chili cook off and festival, it is mandatory to wear an ID wristband.

A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING

THURSDAY, MAY 25TH - KICK OFF MIXER 5:30-7PM

HOSTED BY REDWOOD COMMUNITY PHARMACY AT THE McKINLEYVILLE SHOPPING CENTER

THURSDAY, JUNE 1ST - CHILI COOK OFF 5:30-7:30PM

PIERSON PARK, 1608 PICKETT ROAD

SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD - PANCAKE BREAKFAST 8-11AM

AZALEA HALL, 1620 PICKETT ROAD

SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD - PARADE 11AM

STARTS AT CENTRAL & MURRAY, DOWN TO CENTRAL & SCHOOL

SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD - FESTIVAL 12-4PM

PIERSON PARK, 1608 PICKETT ROAD

CHILI COOK OFF

The Chili Cook Off is an exciting event that promises fun and food for the entire family. Come and meet your neighbors for a delightful evening of sampling some of the most delectable chili in town. Participants will be preparing their dishes on-site, with patrons serving as judges.

Local chefs, both professional and amateur, will be competing for your vote in three distinct categories: Best Professional Chili, Best Amateur Chili, and Best Team Spirit. Tickets are priced at $10 per person, and all are welcome to attend.

Bi Coastal Media will be on site providing music to keep the event rocking. Indoor seating will be available, feel free to bring your

lawn chairs if you plan to sit outside in the park.

This year, in addition to the chili tasting, the students from Arcata High FFA will also be selling hot dogs. You can choose to eat them on their own or top them off with some of the delectable chili being served. And, to top off your meal, they will also be offering some mouth-watering bake sale treats. Refreshments like beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

This incredible event is presented in partnership with Eureka Natural Foods and BiCoastal Media. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy some of the best chili around!

Chamber members and prospective chamber members along with their family and friends are invited to kick off the 2023 Pony Express Days at the May Monthly Mixer hosted by Redwood Community Pharmacy at the McKinleyville Shopping Center. Live Music by Ghost Train, prizes, food from Pupuseria San Miguel, Loco Fish Co and To Diane with Love Cookie Co, drinks from Six Rivers Brewery and so much more! Thursday, May 25th at 5:30 - see you there!

PARADE

Schedule

PONY EXPRESS DAYS

THURSDAY, MAY 25TH - KICK OFF MIXER : 5:30-7PM @ THE MCKINLEYVILLE SHOPPING CENTER, HOSTED BY REDWOOD COMMUNITY PHARMACY

THURSDAY, JUNE 3RD - CHILI COOK OFF : 5:30-7:30 @PIERSON PARK, 1608 PICKETT ROAD

SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD: - PANCAKE BREAKFAST : 8-11AM @ AZALEA HALL, 1620 PICKETT ROAD

SATURDAY, JUNE 3RD - PARADE : 11:00AM STARTS AT CENTRAL & MURRAY, DOWN TO CENTRAL & SCHOOL

SATURDAY JUNE 3RD - FESTIVAL: 12-4PM @ AZALEA HALL, 1620 PICKETT ROAD

2023

Mark your calendars because the Pony Express Days Parade will take a journey down Central Avenue, following its familiar route from Murray Road to School Road. As you line the streets, immerse yourself in the enchantment of the parade with your entire family.

Picture this: a dazzling array of floats and entries representing the spirit and history of our town. Every step of the way, the judge’s stand and our lively Announcer from Mad River Radio, stationed in front of Coast Central Credit Union, will keep the excitement soaring.

The participants will compete in six thrilling categories: Best Overall, Best Equestrian, Best Vehicle, Best Walking Group, Best Spirit (for

AZALEA AWARD RECIPIENTS

WES AND TERESA GREEN

Wes and Teresa Green were born and raised in Humboldt County. Wes graduated from Arcata High School and Teresa from Eureka High School. Wes and Teresa both have always had an entrepreneurship mentality. Wes started his landscape construction business 50 years ago after graduating high school, initially beginning his career

mowing freeways. Soon, realizing his niche for landscape materials and construction; he opened a store front in Arcata and eventually moved to Heindon Road in 1989. A year later, after being approached by members of the community, he proudly began flying the American Flag. Over the years, Wes has continued to prioritize the need to keep

the flag a part of the Community. In 2005 Wes moved his business to the current location on West End Road in Arcata. Wes began working with the County to provide a source of green waste disposal for all of Humboldt County residents in 2007 and has been involved in hundreds of projects in our County.

Teresa started working as a

cosmetologist out of high school, then in construction with her late husband and eventually going through a life change and began working at Steve’s Septic Service in 2002 for Ron and Vicki Turner. After two years, Teresa purchased the company in 2004 with the plan of keeping Steve’s Septic Service a local family operated business. Be-

ing a business owner and living on the same property in McKinleyville had allowed Teresa to help raise her grandchildren while working; which was a big priority in her life.

Wes and Teresa met later in their lives and began dating in 2005 and married in 2008. Together they realized the values they shared for family, community and business. Led by Wes and Teresa, Wes Green Company and Steve’s Septic

Service have continued to provide support to many community organizations over the years by donating to McKinleyville Little League and Youth Football, various landscape materials to local schools and local community gardens, Mad River Rotary, St. Jude, Soroptimist, Heritage Society, Humboldt Area Foundation and many others.

Wes served as President for the Humboldt Builders Exchange and a

Board of Directors for 20 years. He has served on other special boards for the local school and cemetery. Over the years, Wes has spread his joy of restored tractors to the Community by appearing in many local parades, car show events and spending time at local schools. He was also involved in the first McKinleyville Chamber Corks, Forks and Kegs with his tractor and hay trailer shuttling patrons up and down Central Avenue.

Wes and Teresa are honored and humbled to have received this award from their peers and the McKinleyville Community. They are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful Community. This award is bittersweet- as Wes and Teresa will be retiring this year and their businesses will continue to be family operated local businesses proud to support the community.

We Do Paving Paving!

2022 WINNERS

Best Equestrian Best Spirit Best Vehicle

PARADE ROAD CLOSURE

Listen up, folks! We’ve got some news for ya regarding the Pony Express Days Parade. On Saturday, June 4, Central Avenue between Murray Road and School Road will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED. The parade kicks off at ll a.m. sharp from the mighty Murray, gradually makin’ its way down Central Avenue. Fear not, for the roads shall reopen once the parade passes. But, here’s the deal, pardners: them motorists who failed to plan ahead might find themselves stuck without a way to reach their own humble abodes.

If ya find yourself needin’ to navigate ‘round town durin’ the parade, it might be wise to give some extra thought to where ya park that trusty automobile of yours. Or, better yet, why not saddle up your trusty bicycle or ride your mighty steed? That way, you’ll be granted the right of way and breeze through with ease.

Now, let’s all keep our cool and enjoy the grand spectacle of the Pony Express Days Parade. Remember, it’s a time to embrace the spirit of the Wild West and celebrate our vibrant community. So gather ‘round, prepare yourselves, and revel in the excitement that fills the air. Yeehaw!

the entry radiating the most enthusiasm during the parade), and Best Performance (for the entry that delivers the most entertainment to the crowd). The anticipation builds as the winners are unveiled at 3 p.m. from the festival stage at Pierson Park, sending ripples of joy and pride through our community. It’s moments like these that remind us why we cherish our small town and the incredible people who make it great. Let’s not forget the tremen-

dous support from our partners, the Mad River Rotary, who play an integral role in making this event possible.

Join us for a day of pure delight, where families come together, local businesses shine, and the heart of our community beats with excitement. The Pony Express Days Parade is an event that will create treasured memories and inspire you to revel in the rich history and vibrant spirit of our town.

Sponsors

PETTING ZOO SPONSOR