Colony Days crowns King, Queen, and Marshal

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Sep 25 2025

Dave and JoAnn Davis named King and Queen, Mike Zappas named Marshal; festivities include the Colony Tea and a combined Parade and Fall Festival on Nov. 15

ATASCADERO — This year, Atascadero is set to celebrate the 52nd annual Colony Days with recognition for three community leaders whose contributions have helped shape the city. Dave and JoAnn Davis have been named Colony Days King and Queen, recognizing their 67 years of marriage and a lifetime of service to Atascadero. Joining them in recognition, Mike Zappas has been named Colony Days Marshal for his more than 30 years of work in preserving and developing Atascadero.

This year’s festivities offer several ways for residents to join the celebration. The 47th annual Colony Tea, themed “Butterfly Drive — The Road to Atascadero,” will be held Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Atascadero Bible Church Fellowship Hall for longtime residents 55 and older. The Chamber of Commerce will introduce the Colony Days Royals during its Oktoberfest Mixer on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Atascadero Lake Zoo Gardens. The city’s signature event, the Colony Days Parade and Festival, has moved to Saturday, Nov. 15 to coincide with the Fall Festival, bringing an expanded weekend of floats, marching bands, carnival rides, live music, and vendor booths downtown.

Dave and JoAnn Davis have been named the 2025 Colony Days King and Queen. Married in 1958, they are the longtime owners of Davis Body Shop, the city’s longest-standing business under the same ownership, and have actively supported the Chamber of Commerce, youth athletics, county fairs, and local recreational leagues. Beyond their civic involvement, the couple has contributed to Atascadero’s cultural life — Dave performed with the band The Revels, while both enjoyed community-focused activities like boating, water skiing, and motorcycle club events. Through decades of service, family, and entrepreneurship, the Davises exemplify the city’s growth from a small colony town into a vibrant, connected community.

Mike Zappas has been named the 2025 Colony Days Marshal in recognition of over 30 years of dedication to Atascadero’s growth and preservation. Since moving to the city in 1991 with his late wife, Peggy, he has overseen projects that balance development with environmental and historical preservation, including the Hidden Oaks project, which preserved 215 mature oak trees, and the downtown La Plaza revitalization.

“I didn't see it coming. I was shocked, I guess, is the word,” Zappas explained his reaction to getting the news of being named Colony Day Marshal.

Honored as 2023 Citizen of the Year by the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, Mike attributes his success to collaboration with city officials, property owners, and local merchants. Beyond his professional achievements, he raised four children who continue to serve the community and remains actively involved in volunteer work while gradually passing leadership of Z Villages to his son, embodying a vision of Atascadero that values both progress and community engagement.

You can learn more about this year’s Colony Day and the Royals in the October issue of Atascadero News Magazine.

For the first time, the Atascadero Colony Days Committee is partnering with En Fuego Events and the City of Atascadero to host the 51st annual Colony Day Parade in November. 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.”

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

Those interested in attending the Colony Tea on Oct. 12 are asked to RSVP to Myrna Wood by Oct. 4 at (805) 460-6129 or mybizzwood@gmail.com

Suggestions for next year’s Colony Days Royalty or Grand Marshal may be sent to the Colony Days Committee, P.O. Box 1913, Atascadero, CA 93423. Royalty nominees must have lived in Atascadero for at least 50 years, while Grand Marshal nominees must have resided here for at least 25 years.

For more information, visit ColonyDays.org