47th annual Colony Tea honors 2025 Grand Marshal and Royalty

By Camille DeVaul · Mon Oct 20 2025

Atascadero tradition celebrates Colony Days Grand Marshal Mike Zappas and King and Queen Dave and JoAnn Davis

ATASCADERO — The spirit of Atascadero’s history was alive and well on Sunday, Oct. 12, as more than 100 local community members gathered for the 47th annual Colony Tea at the Atascadero Bible Church Fellowship Hall. Following the Colony Days theme “Butterfly Drive — The Road to Atascadero,” the event honored the city’s roots and welcomed the newly named 2025 Colony Days Grand Marshal and Royalty.

The invite-only gathering, a tradition since 1977, welcomed residents aged 55 and older who have lived in Atascadero for over 40 years. Many attendees represented multiple generations of local families, coming together to share stories, laughter, and memories that traced the community’s evolution from a small colony to a thriving city.

As teacups clinked and old friends reunited, attendees reminisced about the town’s past and reflected on how it has grown. There was no shortage of smiles and nostalgia as residents took turns recalling colorful moments from decades gone by, honoring those who helped shape Atascadero.

The afternoon’s highlights included the ceremonial passing of the crowns and pins from the 2024 Royalty and Grand Marshal to the 2025 honorees. Last year’s King and Queen, Don and Janey Giessinger, formally passed their titles to Dave and JoAnn Davis, while 2024 Grand Marshal Karen McNamara pinned the new 2025 Grand Marshal, Mike Zappas.

Zappas, recognized for more than 30 years of dedication to Atascadero’s growth and preservation, was celebrated for his leadership in projects that have thoughtfully balanced development with environmental and historical stewardship. Since moving to Atascadero in 1991 with his late wife, Peggy, Zappas has played a key role in local initiatives such as the Hidden Oaks project and the downtown La Plaza revitalization, a cornerstone of the city’s ongoing renaissance.

Dave and JoAnn Davis, the city’s 2025 Colony Days King and Queen, were honored for their decades-long contributions to Atascadero’s business and civic community. Married since 1958, the couple are the longtime owners of Davis Body Shop — the city’s oldest business still under the same ownership. Beyond their entrepreneurial success, the Davises have supported youth athletics, the Chamber of Commerce, county fairs, and local recreation. Dave’s days performing with the band The Revels and the couple’s shared love for boating, water skiing, and community activities reflect their lifelong commitment to Atascadero’s vibrant spirit.

You can learn more about the Colony Marshal and Royals in the October issue of Atascadero News Magazine or on atascaderonews.com

As the tea concluded, attendees were reminded that the celebration of community would continue throughout the fall. On Thursday, Oct. 16, the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce planned to introduce the 2025 Colony Days Royals during its annual Oktoberfest Chamber Mixer at the Atascadero Lake Zoo Gardens.

And this year, the Colony Days Parade is set to take on new life. Moving from its traditional October date, the event will now join forces with the Atascadero Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15, creating an expanded downtown celebration.

The revamped celebration will maintain the classic parade elements, including floats, community groups, and marching bands, while expanding festivities with carnival rides, live music, and vendor booths from the Fall Festival. Longstanding Colony Days civic and nonprofit vendors are also encouraged to participate.

Together, the Colony Tea and the Colony Days Parade continue to tell Atascadero’s story — honoring the pioneers who built the town and celebrating the generations carrying its legacy forward.

For more information, visit ColonyDays.org

Feature Image: 2025 Colony Days Royalty Queen JoAnn Davis and King Dave Davis (both sitting) are shown with their family during the Colony Tea on Oct. 12. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN