The community of Ignacio will celebrate its annual San Ignacio Fiesta on July 29 and 30.
The 117th annual event starts with the Fiesta parade at 10 a.m. Saturday on Goddard Avenue. This year's theme is "Life's an Adventure." Lineup starts at 9 a.m. at Ignacio High School. Registration is the day of the parade, and there is no fee to enter. Cash prizes are offered for numerous categories of parade floats and entries. A unique aspect of the parade is elaborate memorial floats created by families in honor of a loved one who has died.
After the parade, there are events, food and games at Shoshone Park until 2 p.m. Live music this year is by It's Jose, along with a watermelon-eating contest, games and bounce house.
The 26th annual horseshoe tournament starts at 11 a.m. in the park, with entries costing $5.
Southern Ute Community Action Programs will host its annual duck race that afternoon.
That night, the Fiesta dance features La Familia Sandoval from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Sky Ute Casino Event Center. Cost is $15 per person, and kids 12 and under are $10. The crowning of the royalty is at 10 p.m., and this year's Fiesta Queen candidates are Elisia Cruz, Ivey Cuthair and Michelle Merritt.
Fiesta activities culminate with Fiesta Mass at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at St. Ignatius Church at 15449 Highway 172, followed by dinner at about noon, then there is music and bingo for fun.
The raffle drawing is at 1:30 p.m.
For more information about this year's Fiesta events, call 749-6830.
