Pony Express Days, sponsored in part by The McKinleyville Press, was a unique local event that was first celebrated in the early 1970's.

Every summer, typically on the first weekend in June, McKinleyville celebrated Pony Express Days.

It was a fun-filled event with activities for all ages. On the Thursday before the weekend, the Arcata Volunteer Fire Department held a Fireman's Muster and invited local fire departments to compete against each other in a hose coupling contest and an old-fashioned bucket brigade. The event included a barbecue and booths representing several non-profit groups. Crowds rooted for their favorite firefighters. Observers often got as wet as the participants!

On Friday night, McKinleyville High School hosted the Alumni Football Game, in which former players relived their high school football days. The Mack Panthers took on their former rivals made up of alumni from nearby Arcata High. This was always a spirited game.

The premiere event on Saturday was the Pony Express Days Parade down Central Avenue. The parade typically featured local bands, Scout troupes, the VFW Color Guard, floats from local businesses, vintage automobiles, and much more.

A barbecue followed at Pierson Park, where there were games, booths and lots of activities for children.

In 2005 this event was renamed The Azalea Festival.

Highlights in pictures (2004)...

Click on any picture for a larger version.

- - Parade: VFW color guard

- - Parade: Beach protest rider

- - Fire Fighters Muster

- - Parade: Pony Express Float