DEL NORTE - The theme for this year’s Covered Wagon Days in Del Norte is “Spirits of Del Norte Past” and will pay homage to the 53-year-old event. From the beginning of Covered Wagon Days, the town of Del Norte focused on community and celebrating the coming harvest. This year’s event, Aug. 1-3, is shaping up to be the best one yet and the schedule is packed with something for everyone to enjoy. 

For the last 50 years, Del Norte has paid homage to their historical heritage during August with celebrations honoring days from the past. The first ever Covered Wagon Days event took place in 1972 when the town decided to host a bicentennial festival that eventually turned into the celebrations we see today. 

According to the Aug. 19, 1972, Del Norte Prospector, the town held a Queen’s Ball at Castle Hall, a pancake breakfast and parade and other fun events such as a beard contest, flower displays and dancing in the streets. Del Norte has a long history of celebration dating back to the town's beginning in 1872. While reading through the newspapers that began in 1874, it is easy to find how much Del Norte loved to get together as a community and celebrate any given event, and this holds true to this day. 

For the next 49 years, Del Norte created a beloved annual event which was a great way to bid farewell to July and welcome August and the start of the coming fall harvest while honoring the days of the past. Over the years, each summer came and went with the celebration happening just before school went back into session and included similar festivities like those held in 1972. 

There is still time to participate as a vendor in one of the many markets taking place throughout town or by signing up to participate in the annual parade. Those who wish to participate can email coveredwagondays@gmail.com. Don’t wait! The event is only three weeks away! 

From book sales to a 5k run, the day is packed to the brim with community fun for the entire family. So, mark those calendars and come walk through time as the Del Norte community pays homage to the past while celebrating the present! For a full schedule of events, please visit www.coveredwagondays.com