Auburn and Pacific will honor their histories with traditional city celebrations this weekend.
Auburn’s downtown will come to life with the annual Auburn Good Ol’ Days – a diverse festival celebrating the city and its people. The theme for this year’s festival is “Rip Roarin’ Whoop-Dee-Doo.
Pacific, meanwhile, celebrates its centennial with three days of events, beginning with music and activities in Pacific Park on Saturday and Sunday, and culminating with the dedication of Centennial Park and a time capsule burial on Monday.
At Good Ol’ Days, Don Stevenson, Auburn’s cross country ultra-walker for charitable causes, will serve as the grand marshal. Longtime business owner Don Rottle is being recognized for exemplifying “Pioneer Spirit” for his work and dedication. Dottie Quimby will appear as Pioneer Queen.
Festivities begin tonight, continue throughout Saturday and conclude Sunday.
Some things to watch:
• Today: Mural stage entertainment from 6-10 p.m. on Main Street. There also will be a tournament of talent and the Stampede 5K Fun Run, with the 7 p.m. start at G Street Northeast and East Main Street. A community barbecue will be held at 6 p.m. at Main and B Street Northeast.
• Saturday: A grand parade will begin at noon on Main Street, dedicated to the late Joe Jenkins, a longtime community volunteer and leader. A street dance will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. on the mural stage.
• Sunday: Free activities for the kids throughout the day at the Auburn City Hall Plaza. There also will be a juried fine art show at City Hall, while the Striped Water Poets of Auburn will host performances, a contest and book fair. A classic car, truck and cycle show will be held on Main Street throughout the day.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.auburngoodoldays.com.
Pacific Days begins with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday. There will live music, a karaoke contest and games in the park throughout the day. More music and games are on tap for Sunday, including a roaming clown and door prizes in the park.
City and community officials will dedicate Centennial Park, formerly Volunteer Park, with a ceremony and time capsule burial at 6 p.m. Monday.
