Rosalia Battle Days will make 49th appearance

Members of the IOOF started the event in 1970, paying homage to the Indian War of 1878 when Col. Edward Steptoe took a final stand against warriors on what is now the Steptoe monument site on the east hill of Rosalia. Today, the event is known as Battle Days and will play out this weekend.

Beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, June 1, a variety of acts will be showcased during a teen talent show at Rosalia High School.

Saturday’s festivities kick off at the fire station at 7 a.m.. where Boy Scouts will serve breakfast until 9:30 am.

Food vendors and local businesses will provide refreshments beginning at 9 a.m. and a beer and food garden running from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. The annual Fun Run also begins at the fire station at 8 a.m. with sign-ups for entry into the 5k and 10k races opening at 6:30 a.m.

Starting at 10 a.m., festival-goers can see the Inland Empire rodeo and barrel racers until 4 p.m. at the rodeo grounds. Additionally, the Kids’ Parade, themed “Libraries Rock!,” begins at 10 a.m. at the Rosalia Library.

The Grand Parade on Main Street begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday led by Grand Marshals Steve and Michelle VanDyke and honoring the high school class of 1968 on their 50-year anniversary.

Following the parade, the RHS sophomore class will host a barbecue lunch.

Beginning at 1 p.m., the car show and pin-up model competition will run until 5 p.m. Live outdoor music also kicks off at 1, with Mojo Box of Spokane and The Fat Lady blues band performing until 8 p.m., followed by singer-songwriter Daniel Hall performing until midnight.

The annual soap box car races begin at 5 p.m. with classes for both kids and adults. Cars will be provided for the youngsters, but adults will have to provide their own cars.