Del Norte announces Covered Wagon Days to return in August

...

DEL NORTE — Covered Wagon Days has been a part of Del Norte’s history, but like many events throughout the world, the town’s beloved event was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and several partnering organizations announced that Covered Wagon Days will be taking place later this summer. Beginning Aug. 5 through Aug. 8, the town of Del Norte will be hopping with something fun every day. All the events honor Del Norte’s rich history and rough-and-tumble past as well as raise money for local veteran services.

The following is the schedule of events that was announced by the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce. There will be some changes to the events, out of an abundance of caution for safety with local COVID restrictions.

The weekend begins Thursday night, Aug. 5, with a Quilt Show at Kathy’s Fabric Trunk that will run throughout the weekend.

Later that evening will be the annual “Meet your Neighbor” potluck at 6 p.m. at the River Valley Inn Nursing Home. Come meet the community with this fun and interactive event, that not only showcases homemade recipes but allows guests to interact with neighbors and friends. River Valley Inn is hosting this year’s event and invites the community to come and tour the home, meet the staff, and say hello to residents. 

Friday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. come out and enjoy some barbecue with a pig roast at the big tent next to Lowe’s Market on Highway 160 and support local veterans. The center hosts this annual event as one of its main fundraisers, with all proceeds going towards the center and activities for local veterans. There will be live entertainment provided by The Dean Family. 

Saturday, Aug. 7, is jam-packed with events for the entire family as Del Norte prepares to honor the people of the west with their annual parade. The day starts early with the annual Del Norte Library Book Sale that begins at 7 a.m. The sale is the library’s only fundraising event, and all proceeds go to the library to help purchase new books, update computer equipment and pay for activities offered by the library. The library is 103 years old this year and has come a long way in the last two years.

Also beginning at 7 a.m. the Val Alto pancake breakfast will be at the High Valley Community Center. The Bee’s Knees 5K walk and run will take place at 7:30 a.m. It takes participants from the High Valley Community Center up around D Mountain and back to Del Norte. 

At 8 a.m. that annual Pie Sale will take place at the Ruth Marie Center where people can come and purchase pies with proceeds going to activities held at the center. The parade kicks off with opening ceremonies on Grande Avenue at 10 a.m. The annual Del Norte Fire Department barbecue lunch starts immediately after at the firehouse on Grande Avenue. All proceeds go to help with training and equipment costs for the department.

While out enjoying the day and everything there is to do, don’t forget to swing into the Rio Grande County Museum to learn about the Woman of the West and enjoy an ice cream social that will take place at 11 a.m.

A full list of activities can be found at www.coveredwagondays.com.