By Barbie Butz

Last weekend here in Atascadero, we celebrated the founding of our community 106 years ago by E.G. Lewis, with an event known as Colony Days. What a great event it was! The weather cooperated giving us a beautiful day for the celebration started by our own Maggie Vandergon, 46 years ago.

Even though Maggie is a Bearcat from Paso Robles High School, we have adopted her here in Atascadero. She manages to still be involved with the Pioneer Days Committee in Paso Roles and will be busy this weekend with that event.

We had a grand parade with 70 entries and with all ages participating. Participants enjoyed the journey north on El Camino Real starting just above Curbaril Road, then past the Sunken Gardens, and finally turning right on West Mall. I had a birds-eye view from an announcers stand, with City Manager Rachelle Rickard and Deputy City Manager/Outreach, Promotions, Events Terrie Banish who invited me to join them.

The King and Queen of Colony Days, Jack and Bonne Scott, looked very “royal” riding in the back seat of a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible driven by owner Kent Kenney. 

Seated by Kent was long-time Atascadero resident Flora Mae Adams who led the parade as the Grand Marshal. 

On Friday all of the third-grade classes in the Atascadero Unified School District were given a tour of Tent City in the Sunken Gardens to learn about the early days in Atascadero.

Don’t miss Pioneer Days this weekend in Paso Robles. Maggie says it’s going to be a great event also.

On Oct. 11, take part in the National Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR, Day of Service, by giving to a local nonprofit. 

To honor the anniversary of DAR’s founding on Oct. 11, 1890, El Paso de Robles Chapter NSDAR members will each participate by donating a bag of groceries at their October meeting. The chapter supports, Loaves and Fishes in Atascadero and Paso Robles

The chapter was organized on Feb. 25, 1950, and continues a commitment to honoring the nation’s past by serving the community today. Chapter Regent Anne Edgecombe said, “We’re excited to demonstrate the spirit and contributions of today’s DAR by joining Daughters from across the country in serving our local communities as part of this national day of service.”

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization with more than one million members who have joined the organization since its founding in 1890. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. DAR members passionately carry out the timeless mission of promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism.

For more information, visit elpasoderobles.californiadar.org.

Mark your calendar for Zoo Boo at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero, on Oct. 26, from 5-8:30 p.m.

Join the Zoo staff and volunteers for carnival games, Halloween activities, and tricks and treats! You won’t want to miss the special show with the Zoo Veterinarian for an extra special creepy delight! So, put on your best costume and bring the whole family to a not-too-scary and wild night at the Zoo.

Be sure you save Dec. 13, from 5-9 p.m. for Winter Wonderland in Downtown Atascadero. I’ll have more on that event soon, so be sure to mark your calendar.

Crazy weather again — supposed to be in the 80s this weekend. Won’t need a fire in the fireplace!

Enjoy the rest of the week and have a great weekend. Cheers!