Corona Days celebrated July 27-28
Corona Days kicks off July 27, with a kids' rodeo at the arena, followed by goat roping
- A book sale to benefit the Village of Corona Public Library is planned for both days
Since the mid-1970s, Corona Days has brought together current and former residents, graduates and visitors who gather each year to renew friendships and celebrate the little village on Lincoln County's northern edge.
This year's festival will again feature family and class reunions as well as rodeos, a parade and vendors. New events this year include a Duck Derby, hosted by Eric Anderson who is working to open Crown City Market in the site of the former Corona Grill. Anderson also hopes to host, for the first time, a beer garden in conjunction with the owners of the No Scum Allowed Saloon from White Oaks. The Duck Derby consists of rubber ducks in a rain gutter with each person on a four-member team attempting to propel the duck through one leg of the race by blowing through a straw.
“The Duck Derby is a lot of fun, we've done it in other places,” Anderson said. “It's a chance to get a little silly and there's a $40 first prize.”
Corona Village Clerk Terri Racher said the parade, vendors and rodeo always are popular with the local residents, as well as visitors from throughout the state. The FFA luncheon is well-attended and helps support the Corona FFA chapter's educational events throughout the year.
“These kids work hard and our FFA chapter has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best in the state,” Racher said. “It is a great opportunity to support them and the work they, and their parents, do all year.
“The reunions offer families a chance to gather and catch up on their lives and for our school graduates to get together again. It's something people look forward to all year. Once you've lived in Corona, it's always home.”
Corona Days kicks off at 9 a.m. Friday, July 27 with a kids' rodeo at the arena, followed by goat roping. Musicians and music lovers are invited to join the community jam session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., under the pavilion at Sloan-Simpson park, followed by a hamburger fry hosted by the Crown Cowbelles. Mp2, featuring Leigh Ann Marez and Gary Persons from Santa Rosa, will be entertain at a musical presentation hosted by the Friends of the Village of Corona Public Library. A dance is set for 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the school auditorium with the music of the Graham Brothers Band.
Saturday's activities begin at 9 a.m. with a Veterans Memorial Service at the cemetery. A parade will wind down Main Street at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, entertainment is scheduled, various refreshments will be available and vendors will offer their wares along Main Street. A Duck Derby begins at 2 p.m. at the Crown City Market, where a beer garden also is planned. The Corona FFA will cook up a lunch from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. at the school cafeteria and the annual ranch rodeo begins at 1 p.m. at the arena.
A book sale to benefit the Village of Corona Public Library is planned for both days. A photo contest and display in the Village Council Chambers will feature photographers' images of the Corona area, natural landscape and ranching life.
A quilt show will be open both days, showcasing the work of local artists. More than 20 years' worth of Corona Public School yearbook photos will be available for browsing and to take home. Donations to the school's yearbook program are encouraged.
For a complete schedule of events, visit www.villageofcorona.com and click on the special events tab.