Rosalia Battle Days tradition rolls on

Ferguson

Gazette intern reporter

The 47th annual Rosalia Battle Days offers an array of events from Friday through Sunday this weekend.

Battle Days was launched in 1970 by members of the Odd Fellows Lodge, and the name stems from the Indian War of 1878 when Col. Edward Steptoe was turned back by warriors from a coalition of tribes and made his stand on the east hill of Rosalia, now the site of the Steptoe monument.

This year’s festivities will begin on Friday, June 3, with a teen dance sponsored by Miss Rosalia Royalty in the Rosalia High School cafeteria from 7 to 11 p.m.

Saturday’s events kick off with the Boy Scout breakfast at the fire station from 7 to 9:30 a.m., followed by an 8 a.m. fun run (which interested participants can sign-up for at the fire station at 7:30 a.m.), and from 7 a.m to 3 p.m. vendors will be located between the fire station and Texaco station. Local businesses will be offering specials. Additionally, the Children’s Parade – “Ready, Set Read” – will begin at 10:30 a.m., and participants will line up in front of the library starting at 10 a.m.

The main parade will begin at 11 a.m., with check-in at the Catholic church and line-up starting at 9:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m. for assigned places.

Other events on Saturday include the RHS Community Art project dedication ribbon cutting ceremony, live music from a band and national anthem sung by Collin Pittmann, a welcome from Mayor Nan Konishi, followed by an honor guard.

Grand Marshals will be Charles and Jan Reed.

Battle Days raffle prizes range from picnic basket/BBQ package to a John Deere tractor. Gift certificates, t-shirts, water bottles and other prizes are also offered. Tickets start at $1 for three tickets and range in price for packages up to 100 tickets.

Battle Days will conclude with services at individual churches and barrel races at the rodeo grounds starting at 11 a.m.