Rain doesn't stop Colony Days Parade and Fall Festival

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Nov 20 2025

51st annual parade and 5th annual Fall Festival bring community downtown despite rainy skies

ATASCADERO — Despite a bit of rain, the 51st annual Colony Days Parade and 5th annual Fall Festival proved that nothing dampens Atascadero’s community spirit. The tradition, now combined with the city’s Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 15, brought residents together for a day to celebrate the city’s history and autumn season.

This year’s event moved from its traditional October slot to November, allowing organizers to join collaborate with the Fall Festival and expand the downtown experience. In addition to the parade’s floats, marching bands, and community groups, families enjoyed carnival rides, live music, and vendor booths, creating a full weekend of entertainment. Historic civic and nonprofit organizations also participated.

One highlight of the day was honoring Dave and JoAnn Davis as Colony Days King and Queen. The couple, married since 1958, has been deeply woven into Atascadero’s history. In 1962, they opened Davis Body Shop, the city’s longest-standing business under the same ownership. Their decades of service include support for Atascadero Youth Athletics, the county fair, local music programs, and civic organizations such as The Revels and the Masonic Lodge. Their daughter, Dede Davis, said the weather couldn’t dampen their spirits.

Photos by Rick Evans/ATN

“It rained, but we made the best of it,” Dede Davis shared with Atascadero News. “We traded the convertible for a pick-up truck at some point. When the weather gets better, we’re going to do a photo shoot with the pink Lincoln convertible. It’s so beautiful.”

She added, “Dave and Joann had a great time. I had a party in their honor at my home after the parade. We had about 40 people there, it was great.”

Mike Zappas, recognized as the 2025 Colony Days Marshal, also received accolades for his decades of service to the city. Since moving to Atascadero in 1991 with his late wife Peggy, Zappas has led thoughtful development and preservation projects, including the Hidden Oaks development, which protected 215 mature oak trees, and the downtown La Plaza revitalization. A father of four and lifelong volunteer, Zappas’ contributions reflect a commitment to balancing growth, history, and community.

Riding in style on the historic Model A Firetruck were Mayor Charles Bourbeau, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Dariz, and City Councilmembers Heather Newsom, Seth Peek, and Susan Funk. Frank Sommers graciously chauffeured the council, while the Atascadero Fire Association showcased the city’s vintage firetruck.

The parade itself featured an array of float and parade entries, with awards recognizing the best in multiple categories. Motorized honors went to the Atascadero Police Department, while runner-up Greg Ravatt showcased a 1946 Art Deco truck carrying sponsor flags. Equestrian and animal participants saw Vaqueras Del Camino take the top spot, while Atascadero Middle School Cheer won the walking group category and Cub Scout Pack 51 finished as runner-up. Musical performances shone as San Benito Elementary claimed first place, and non-commercial float winners included Paso a Pasito, with Atascadero Youth Football and Cheer earning runner-up honors. Judges’ recognition went to Hope Lutheran Church, best theme was awarded to Atascadero Fine Arts Academy, and the parade’s sweepstakes winner was Escuela del Rio.

From Friday to Sunday, the Sunken Gardens was busy with the fifth annual Fall Festival that welcomed family-friendly fun, live music, carnival rides, and over 60 food and merchant vendors to the heart of Atascadero. Even the weekend's rain couldn't damper the fun. Plenty of families came out to enjoy the rides, carnival games, and live music.