Pioneer Days countdown begins

DAVENPORT — The streets are set to come alive with a vibrant array of activities this weekend as it gears up for its annual Pioneer Days celebration.

The fun runs from Friday through Sunday, July 19-21.

“Come out and enjoy the weekend in Davenport,” Pioneer Days Chairwoman Dawn Canfield said. “Reconnect with old friends and make new friends,”

Events kick off Friday with the much-anticipated Kids Fishing Derby, organized by the Davenport Lions Club.

Anglers aged 14 and younger can test their fishing skills at the Davenport City Park from 7 a.m. to noon.

The event features ten tagged fish with special prizes for the lucky catchers.

At 8:30 a.m., families can head to the West Valley Outdoor Learning Center to meet “Smoky Bear” and learn about local wildlife, including a special presentation on birds of prey.

For creative minds, the Chalk Art Contest will take place at 9 a.m. with sign-ins at Wheatland Bank.

Participants will be given sidewalk space to showcase their artistic talents.

In addition, the Davenport Library will host its Book Sale, and vendors will set up shop in Memorial Hall until 4 p.m.

The Lincoln County Museum will open at noon with free admission, inviting visitors to explore its rich historical exhibits.

As evening falls, the community is invited to a Movie in the Park featuring the animated film, “Moana,” starting at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 20, begins bright and early with the Pioneer Plod 5K Fun Run, which starts at 8 a.m.

Participants of all ages can join the race with check-in at Memorial Hall.

The event will feature medals and trophies for various age groups and categories.

The day continues with vendor and craft booths and the Road Knights Car Show, celebrating its 70th anniversary.

The car show will have a range of categories, and entry forms must be submitted by Thursday, July 18.

A special speaker, 1954 President Jerry Kruger, will share insights at the Museum Barn.

The Kiddie Parade will delight young spectators at 10:45 a.m., followed by the main Pioneer Days Parade at 11 a.m.

This year’s grand marshal is Davenport Middle and High Schools’ band teacher, Rob Harper of Davenport. (See related story on Front Page.)

Parade participants must check in by 8 a.m. at the Strate Funeral Home parking lot.

“My favorite event is the parade. It is neat to see the community come together,” Canfield said. “We get to see the little kids’ parade, the different members that come together, and the class reunions.”

The Davenport Lions Club BBQ in the Park at noon will be a highlight, alongside ongoing activities at the Lincoln County Museum.

Visitors can also enjoy the Friends of Davenport Fireman’s Fund Beer Garden, which will stay open until midnight.

In the afternoon, a series of engaging activities will take place, including Pioneer Mini Soap Making at the Museum, Hawk Creek Band performing indie/folk music and a Guitar Auction to benefit the Museum.

Museum volunteers will also serve cotton candy from 2-3:30 p.m..

The fun continues with a Belly Flop Contest at Davenport Water Park at 3 p.m., organized by Davenport Auto Parts, and ends with live music at the Beer Garden starting at 7 p.m.

“That [the Belly Flop Contest] might be the highlight of the weekend,” added Canfield.

Sunday will feature breakfast in Memorial Hall, hosted by the Davenport 4-H Club from 7-10 a.m.

Following breakfast, church services will begin at 10 a.m. in the park.

Although the Kids Carnival has been canceled due to expected heat, the Lincoln County Museum will remain open with free admission.

“It’s going to be hot. We will be overly cautious, make sure everyone is safe and have as much fun as we can in the heat,” Canfield said. “Check out the schedule online. We will keep it posted and updated with changes by the heat and provide updates on our Facebook page.”

Pioneer Days is a celebration rooted in the community’s love for history and togetherness, which began with the opening of the Lincoln County Museum on July 15, 1972.