Pony Express Days 2024

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PONY EXPRESS DAYS

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

A SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

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

Local chefs, both professional and amateur, will compete for your vote for BEST CHILI, and Best Team Spirit. Tickets are priced at $15 per person,

and all are welcome to attend.

BiCoastal Media will be on-site providing music to keep the event rocking. Indoor seating will be available, and you are welcome to bring your lawn chairs if you plan to sit outside in the park. Refreshments like beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy some of the best chili around!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 1st, 2024! The Pony Express Days Parade kicks off at 11:00 AM along Central Avenue from Murray Road to School Road. Following the parade, join us at Pierson Park from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for the festival.

Join us as the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to the 56th annual Pony Express Days celebration!

Since 1968, this cherished tradition began as a small town gathering with a family-friendly barbecue, a captivating parade, and an exciting equestrian race. Over the years, it has become McKinleyville’s signature event, embodying the spirit of our still small, but quickly growing, community.

We are thrilled to celebrate this beloved occasion, which has continuously evolved to reflect the changing interests of our town, dedicated volunteers, and all who contribute to making this celebration a reality.

This year’s Pony Express Days will feature familiar favorites, including the Chili Cook-off, Pancake Breakfast, Parade, and festival. The spirit of fun and

Enjoy live music by Monument Road, a variety of vendors, delicious food options, a petting zoo, az throwing, Scout O’Rama, bounce house and pony rides. This family-friendly event has something for everyone and most of the kids activities are FREE!

camaraderie will remain at the heart of the festivities.

Join us in celebrating with friends and neighbors. Don your cowboy hat, polish your boots, and prepare for a memorable time with your community! The McKinleyville Chamber Board of Directors extends deep gratitude for your unwavering support, which strengthens our remarkable community. Enjoy the festivities and create cherished memories. For more information, please contact the McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce at (707) 839-2449 or visit our website at www. mckinleyvillechamber.com, where you can find a dedicated page highlighting Pony Express Days!

Jesse Miles, McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce Executive Director 1640 Central Ave, McKinleyville 707.839.2449 jesse@McKinleyvillechamber.com

FESTIVAL RULES

• Alcohol Consumption: Only use provided cups for alcohol.

• Security: All patrons are subject to search for security purposes.

• Designated Areas: Alcohol must remain within designated areas during the chili cook-off and festival.

• Age Restriction: You must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.

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

• Items Not Allowed: Ice chests are not permitted.

• Weapons: No weapons of any kind are allowed on the premises.

• ID Wristbands: To consume alcohol, you must wear an ID wristband during the chili cook-off and festival.

WELCOME!
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PARADE

Prepare for the pinnacle of McKinleyville’s annual celebration— the Pony Express Days Parade!

Imagine a vibrant procession of floats and entries reflecting the spirit and heritage of our town. The judge’s stand and our dynamic Announcer from Mad River Radio, positioned in front of Coast Central Credit Union, will ensure the energy remains high throughout the event.

This year’s event promises a lineup of new and thrilling entries that will captivate and entertain. We are privileged to have the 2024 Azalea Award recipients, Scott and Kristina Binder, leading the parade as our esteemed Grand Marshals.

Save the date! The Pony Express Days Parade will grace Central Avenue, following its traditional route from Murray Road to School Road. As you gather along the streets, embrace the magic of the parade with your family.

Participants will vie for top honors in six exciting categories: Best Overall, Best Equestrian, Best Vehicle, Best Walking Group, Best Spirit (for the entry exuding the most enthusiasm), and Best Performance (for the entry delivering the most entertainment). The excitement culminates with the announcement of winners at 2 p.m. from the festival stage at Pierson Park, spreading waves of

Joanie Frederick 707.362.0144 M Michelle Voyle s 707.845.1609 A Andy Parker 707.616.3456 S arah Ammon 707.601.4822 K Katie Cutshall 707.601.2700 DRE #0099315 2 1225 Central Ave Suite 1, McKinleyville (707) 839-4400 Residential | Commercial | Land | Income INSTALLATION AND REPAIRS! LICENSE #1022884 VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.STEVESSEPTIC.COM SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTIONS AND PUMPING SERVING ALL OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY 707-839-2270 LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED #1 IN THE #2 BUSINESS! Call today for a quote 3445 Central Avenue • McKinleyville • (707) 839-1291 www.hoovenco.com • facebook.com/hoovenco • Parking Lots • Patch Paving • Seal Coating • Driveways • Commercial • Residential We Do Paving Paving! 744 10th, Fortuna 707.725.5411 1933 Central Ave. Ste D McKinleyville | 707.839.5288 www.jdinsurance.com LIC.#0F41787 HA auto • business home • family farms • ranches DAVIS INSURANCE SERVICES, INC. WELCOME TO PONY EXPRESS DAYS! SERVING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SINCE 1977 4 SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION NORTH COAST JOURNAL • Thursday, May 30, 2024 • northcoastjournal.com | PONY EXPRESS DAYS
Serving Eureka, McKinleyville, Arcata, Trinidad, Blue Lake, Willow Creek, Ferndale and all points between.

PARADE

joy and pride across our community. It’s moments like these that remind us why we treasure our small town and its remarkable people.

Join us for a day of sheer joy, where families unite, local businesses shine, and the heart of our community pulses with enthusiasm. The Pony Express Days Parade is an event that will create cherished memories and inspire you to celebrate the rich history and lively spirit of our town.

PONY EXPRESS DAYS

THURSDAY, MAY 30TH

CHILI COOK OFF : 5:30-7:30 @ PIERSON PARK, 1608 PICKETT ROAD

SATURDAY, JUNE 1ST

PANCAKE BREAKFAST : 8-11AM @ AZALEA HALL, 1620 PICKETT ROAD

PARADE : STARTS @ 11:00AM

STARTS AT MURRAY & CENTRAL AVE , PROCEEDS SOUTH DOWN CENTRAL AVE TO ANNA SPARKS WAY

FESTIVAL: 12-4PM @ PIERSON PARK 1608 PICKETT ROAD

2024

PARADE ROAD CLOSURE

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:

Pony Express Days Parade - June 1, 2024

Listen up, folks! We’ve got some news for ya regarding the Pony Express Days Parade. On Saturday, June 1, Central Avenue between Murray Road and School Road will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED. The parade kicks off at 11 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: those 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 during

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 West and celebrate our vibrant community. So gather ‘round, prepare yourselves, and revel in the excitement that fills the air. Yeehaw!

Schedule
PONY EXPRESS DAYS | northcoastjournal.com • Thursday, May 30, 2024 • NORTH COAST JOURNAL SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION 5
!

CHILI COOK OFF

Get ready for a delicious showdown at the Pony Express Days Chili Cook Off on Thursday, May 30th, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Pierson Park.

Come taste and vote for your favorite chili from local competitors. Confirmed participants include Redwood Community Pharmacy, Famous Amens, Six Rivers Brewery, North Coast Women in Timber, Mad River Rotary, Team RE/MAX - Beth Simon & Shelby Huddleson, Cruz N Kitchen, Dark Staffing Solutions & Guns & Buns Fitness and possibly more. This is an event you don’t want to miss!

AZALEA AWARD RECIPIENTS KRISTINA AND SCOTT BINDER

Scott is a McKinleyville native, raised in a home overlooking Clam Beach. After graduating McKinleyville High School in 1981, he served in the United States Air Force. After returning home, he worked in the restaurant industry, especially enjoying his time managing a pizzeria in Arcata. Kristina came into his life in 1995, along with a career change, wholesaling dairy and frozen food

products in the Klamath/ Trinity Valley for the next 23 years. Scott is very active on social media and is known for answering questions and clearing up misinformation. Scott founded the bimonthly McKinleyville Community Trash Bash in 2015. He is a charter member of the McKinleyville CERT Team, the current Board President of the McKinleyville Community Services District,

and the Executive Director of the McKinleyville Senior Center. He also works actively within the recovery community, helping others to overcome alcoholism. His motto is ‘Onward and Upward’, as he works to help shape the future of McKinleyville in a fashion that brings people together to find common solutions for our challenges.

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Sponsors

PETTING ZOO SPONSOR

DUKE BONANZA RANCH HAND BUCKAROO
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