Colony Days and Colony Tea Honor Tradition
By Camille DeVaul · Fri Oct 10 2025
For more than five decades, Colony Days has stood as a hallmark of Atascadero’s community spirit, honoring the town’s founders while bringing residents together for a celebration of history, pride, and togetherness. This fall, two beloved traditions—the Colony Tea and the Colony Days Parade & Festival — will once again connect Atascadero’s past with its future, each in their own unique way.
On Sunday, October 12, at 2 p.m., the 47th annual Colony Tea will be held at the Atascadero Bible Church Fellowship Hall, 6225 Atascadero Avenue. Themed “Butterfly Drive — The Road to Atascadero,” the tea offers a time-honored chance for longtime residents and their families to gather in fellowship.
An invite-only event, the Colony Tea welcomes Atascadero residents who are 55 and older and have lived in the community for more than 40 years. Each year, around 100 locals attend, often including multiple generations in the same family, to celebrate the town’s heritage and honor the incoming Colony Days Grand Marshal and Royalty.
Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP to Myrna Wood by October 4 at (805) 460-6129 or mybizzwood@gmail.com
Then, on Thursday, October 16, at 5:30 p.m., the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce will introduce the 2025 Colony Days Royals during its annual Oktoberfest Chamber Mixer. The event will take place at the Atascadero Lake Zoo Gardens. For more information, visit atascaderochamber.org
Just one month later, Atascadero’s biggest community celebration takes the stage in a new way. The Colony Days Parade and Festival will move from its traditional October slot to Saturday, November 15, joining forces with Atascadero’s Fall Festival for an expanded downtown event.
The Atascadero Colony Days Committee, in partnership with En Fuego Events and the City of Atascadero, announced the change earlier this year. The decision, leaders say, was about preserving the legacy of Colony Days while growing its reach for future generations.
“The move was thought out and was done to keep the parade alive for the next 50 years and make sure it continues to celebrate the community of Atascadero as it grows into the future,” said Elizabeth Enriquez-Phillips, co-chair of the Colony Days Committee. “Partnering with En Fuego Events and the City allows us to bring additional resources and energy while staying true to the legacy of Maggie Rice Vandergon.”
The parade itself will continue to showcase floats, community groups, marching bands, and civic pride. But this year, the fun will expand with the Fall Festival’s carnival rides, live music, and vendor booths, making for a full weekend of family-friendly excitement. Historic Colony Days civic and nonprofit vendors are also encouraged to be part of the event.
Community members can get involved by submitting a free parade entry, volunteering to support logistics, or simply spreading the word. Applications and details will be available at ColonyDays.org
Together, the Colony Tea and Colony Days Parade represent both ends of Atascadero’s story — a respectful nod to its early pioneers and a vibrant celebration of its growing future.
For more information, visit ColonyDays.org, atascaderofallfest.com, or visitatascadero.com
Save the Dates
Colony Tea: Sunday, October 12, 2 P.M., Atascadero Bible Church Fellowship Hall
Oktoberfest Chamber Mixer: Thursday, October 16, 5:30 p.m., Atascadero Lake Zoo Gardens
Colony Days Parade & Festival: Saturday, November 15, Downtown Atascadero
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