71st Annual Los Alamos Valley Old Days Celebration

The 71st annual Los Alamos Valley Old Days Celebration is Friday, September 22 through Sunday, September 24, 2017, with plenty of fun for all ages in this historic, western-style town. This year’s theme is “”Embracing Our Heritage.”Admission is FREE and the public is invited to join residents and visitors who gather every year to honor, preserve and celebrate the town’s authentic Western culture.

Highlights of the LAVMC Old Days weekend-long celebration include Friday evening’s Chili Kick-off Party & Dance, two-day Peddlers’ Mart & Artisan Faire, Saturday’s Car Show “Deeply Rooted in the Community” and Sunday morning’s “Greatest Little Small Town Parade.” Los Alamos is just an hour north of Santa Barbara and 20 minutes south of Santa Maria in the heart of ranch, farm and wine country at the intersection of US Highway 101 and Bell Street (State Highway135).  

Los Alamos Valley Old Days is sponsored by the Los Alamos Valley Men’s Club (LAVMC)—a philanthropic 501(C)3 not-for-profit group of men, women and families—dedicated to preserving the town’s unique Western character and hospitality.  LAVMC providesscholarships and funding to local students and organizations, as well as offering its facilities to rent for events. LAVMC is supported by tax-deductible donations. Sponsorship support for 2017 Old Days is being provided again by Visit the Santa Ynez Valley

Here is the 2017 Los Alamos Valley Old Days schedule of events: 

Friday, September 22, 2017

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Chili Kick-Off Dinner: Enjoy chili, corn bread and all the fixings to begin the celebration with a tasty kick. Featuring chili crafted by several local restaurants and LAVMC members. No host, full service cash only bar available. Tickets are $7 per person at the door at the Men’s Club, 429 Leslie Street, corner of Centennial & Leslie Streets in downtown Los Alamos.

8:00- 11:00 p.m.

Dance with Richard Diaz Band: featuring country-western and popular tunes to kick-up your heels at the Men’s Club. Tickets at the door are $10 per person (21 and over only please); combo Chili Dinner/Dance $15. No host, full service cash only bar available. 

Saturday – September 23, 2017

7:00 – 10:30 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast at the Men’s Club, 429 Leslie Street:  $10 adults and $6 children (under age 12) sponsored by and benefiting the Los Alamos Valley Grange. 

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Car Show “Deeply Rooted in the Community” Bringing Vintage, Imports, Rods, Customs, Race Cars and Motorcycles to downtown Los Alamos along Bell Street (Hwy 135). Info and entry forms at http://losalamosvalleyolddays.com/index.php/car-show-2/

10:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. (note new time this year)

Peddlers Mart, Artisan Faire & Food Booths featuring arts & crafts, collectibles and more along Bell Street (Hwy 135). Info & applications available at http://losalamosvalleyolddays.com/index.php/peddlers-mart/

11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (or until food runs out)!

Tri-Tip Beef Sandwich BBQ: hosted by the Los Alamos Foundation to support “Summer in the Park” youth at the Men’s Club, 429 Leslie Street. Tri-tip Sandwich $8. Cash only bar with beer, sodas, water sold separately.

2:30 p.m.

Awards Presentation for Los Alamos Old Days Car Show in Ferrini Park, corner of Bell & Centennial Street

5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Old Days Silent Auction and “Happy Hour” at the Men’s Club.All proceeds support LAVMC youth activities. More than 80 items on offer including gift baskets, wines and collectibles. Light fare also will be available for purchase. No-host full cash bar and music. (21 & over only please).

Sunday, September 24, 2017

7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Pancake Breakfast at Los Alamos Valley Senior Center, 690 Bell Street. Flapjacks, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. $7 adults and $3 children (under age 12). 

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Los Alamos Valley Old Days Stampede 5K Run/Walk. Meet in Ferrini Park. Awards in 5 divisions (Male & Female- 10 & under, ages 11-19; ages 20-39; ages 40-59 and ages 60+). $20 per runner. All proceeds benefit Cal Swoosh Basketball, a non-profit organization providing opportunities for youth.

9:30 – 10:15 a.m.

Non–Denominational Worship Service in Ferrini Park, led by Rev. Warren Einolander from the Cottonwood Community Fellowship, Los Alamos. All ages welcome. 

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (note new time this year)

Peddlers Mart, Artisan Faire and Food Booths along Bell Street (Hwy 135).  

11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Greatest Little Small Town Parade starts at Bell Street (Hwy 135) & Augusta Street and continues west down Bell Street, ending at St. Joseph Street. 2017 Grand Marshal is Jim McCullar. Parade announcer is Los Alamos resident Laura Kath of Mariah Marketing. Free to participate, apply by 9/10/17—Entry forms at http://losalamosvalleyolddays.com/index.php/parade/

12:15 -2:30 p.m.

Tri-Tip Beef BBQ at the Men’s Club. Includes delicious grilled beef, beans, bread & fresh salsa. Adults $10, seniors age 55+ and kids (under age 10) for $8 each. Cash only bar with beer, sodas, water sold separately. 

3:00 p.m.

Chicken Poop Bingo Finale at Los Alamos Valley Senior Center, 690 Bell Street. Find out where three chickens will do their “do” for the first, second and third times on a 4’x8’ area. Only 512 tickets available for $5 each (advance purchase recommended). More info call Sheryl Woods at 805-588-7421 or lavsc@yahoo.com

3:00 p.m. Celebration concludes.