A Durango tradition is in full swing, with three more days to go.
Durango Fiesta Days is turning 80, with activities that have a long history – rodeos and the parade – and one that is new – a collaboration with Music in the Mountains.
For the latter, the Southern Drawl Band will perform at a dance party in the Exhibit Hall at the La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall on Saturday night after the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Rodeo.
Since its founding in 1935, the event, a highlight of summer, has been called Spanish Trails Fiesta and Navajo Trail Fiesta before arriving at its current iteration. Its purpose, organizers say, is to preserve the area’s Western heritage and portray La Plata County’s history as an agricultural community.
abutler@durangoherald.com
Durango Fiesta Days
All events will take place at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave., unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit http://durangofiestadays.com.
Friday
Slack-timed events (additional rodeo competition slots), 9 a.m.
First rodeo, 7 p.m.
Saturday
La Plata-Archuleta Cattlemen’s Association’s Chuck Wagon Cook-off, Cooking begins at 8 a.m., Durango/La Plata County Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave.
Parade staging, 8:30-10 a.m.
Durango Fiesta Days Parade, 10 a.m., Main Avenue, downtown Durango.
Military Appreciation Rodeo, 1 p.m.
Chuck Wagon Supper, 5:30 p.m. at the Durango/La Plata County Senior Center, 2424 Main Ave. Advance ticket purchase at Basin Co-op, 26103 U.S. Highway 160, across from Walmart, is recommended.
Cookoff winners announced, after the chuck wagon supper.
2015 Queen Coronation, 6:30 p.m.
Tough Enough To Wear Pink Rodeo, 7 p.m.
Music In The Mountains Concert and Dance with the Southern Drawl Band, 9-11 p.m., Exhibition Building.
Sunday
Slack-timed events, 8 a.m.
Cowboy Church, 9 a.m., at the grandstands.
Pancake Breakfast, 10 a.m.
Championship Rodeo, 1 p.m.
Rough Stock Challenge, immediately after the Championship Rodeo.
