Reedley – Generations of Reedleyites will come together for the city’s biggest celebration of the year at the 61st Annual Reedley Fiesta, which will take place on Oct. 2-3.
This year’s fiesta will be themed after “America the Beautiful” in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, which organizers said the city will celebrate through a cherished local tradition of bringing neighbors together to celebrate their community.
Fiesta organizers note that the theme is in line with the event’s history of serving as a “homecoming” for former residents to return and reconnect with friends and family. Class reunions and casual classmate meetups at Pioneer Park are also scheduled around that weekend.
“For us, ‘America the Beautiful’ is also about the people who make our communities special,” Erik Valencia, president and CEO of the Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. “The fiesta brings that to life through our volunteers, local businesses, community organizations and the families who keep these traditions going.
“We invite visitors to come experience that spirit for themselves.”
Several iconic events will return to the festival, including the Fiesta Diaper Derby at Sierra View Homes, the Frog Jump contest in front of the Reedley Police Department and the Rotary Fiesta Parade, which will march along G street that Saturday, Oct. 3 starting at 10 a.m.
Attendees can start their Saturday morning at the Reedley Fiesta Pancake Breakfast, which will be hosted by the River City Theatre Company at the historic Reedley Opera House from 6 to 10a.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children age 12 and younger — with proceeds going towards the local community theatre.
On Saturday, visitors can also enjoy the Fiesta Run/Walk to support improvements to the Reedley Parkway. Food, vendor booths and entertainment along Pioneer Park will be available ahead of the parade.
Live music will be played throughout the weekend, starting on Friday, Oct. 2 with a performance of American hits by the Wonder Valley band from 7 to 8:30pm at Pioneer Park Band Shell. The Reedley Community Band will also host a concert at the park immediately after Saturday’s parade. Attendees are encouraged to set up lawn chairs to enjoy both free performances.
Visitors can also view the Community Art Show in front of Reedley City Hall on both Friday and Saturday. Artwork created by elementary students from Kings Canyon Unified and St. La Salle schools will be displayed through the windows of downtown businesses throughout the week.
Find the full schedule for the weekend on the events page of the Reedley Chamber of Commerce website.
