Cotton Days Returns with a Week of Events in Washington City
– By Cami Cox –
Washington City’s annual Cotton Days events will once again take place April 21-27, with tons of fun for the whole family. Come celebrate the heritage of this Southern Utah town and enjoy an array of events, from a community dance and outdoor movie screening to a 5K and car show and lots in-between. It’s all happening in Washington City!
Cotton Days will kick off on April 21 at 6 PM with a statue unveiling in George Washington Plaza, located at 3406 W. 3650 South in Washington. Come witness the grand unveiling of a statue of American founding father George Washington and celebrate with local leaders, city state, and community members.
On April 25, the Cotton Ball will be held from 7-10 PM in the newly remodeled Heritage Hall, 25 E. Telegraph St. in Washington. Come prepared to dance and hobnob! There will be line dancing instruction, a mechanical bull, food and fun. Admission is $25 per person or $40 per couple. Tickets and information can be found here.
Also on April 25, at 8:30 PM, a community movie will be shown in Veterans Park, 75 E. Telegraph St. Come enjoy Disney’s “Up” in the outdoor setting. Bring blankets or chairs and settle in for a fun night of cinema. There will also be vendors.
On April 26 from 7-10 AM, a Lions Club Breakfast will be held in Veterans Park. Enjoy a meal of ham, eggs and pancakes. Proceeds will benefit Washington City community service projects, scholarships and sight programs.
Also taking place April 26, beginning at 7 AM, will be the Cotton Days 5K along the Virgin River Trail, beginning at Sullivan Soccer Park, 965 S. Washington Fields Road. Registration is $25 for the first member of a family and $15 for each additional family member, up to six. Race materials can be picked up at the starting line between 6-7 AM that morning, and participants will be given an event T-shirt. Following the 5K, runners will also receive vouchers for a free pancake breakfast. Registrations will be accepted until the start of the run. Participants can register here.
After the 5K, the Cotton Days parade will proceed down Telegraph Street beginning at 9 AM. The theme is “Patriots & Pioneers – Honoring the American Spirit.” Those interested in entering the parade can register here. The registration deadline is April 18. Entry is free.
Following the parade, at 10 AM the free Car Show-N-Shine will be held at Nisson Park, 30 S. 200 West in Washington. Come check out the lineup of amazing cars shown off by proud owners. Those interested in showcasing a vehicle do not need to register – they can simple show up. Participants can also drive their vehicles in the parade if they wish to.
April 26 will also be the day the Cotton Fest takes place. Beginning at 10 AM, Veterans Park will be hopping with Washington City’s exciting birthday celebration. There will be live entertainment, vendors booths, games, bounce houses, a tractor pull at 1 PM, and more. Interested vendors can sign up here.
There will also be a free concert that evening in Veterans Park from 7-9 PM featuring The Ed Tracey Band.
Cotton Days will wind up on Sunday, April 27, at 6 PM with a fireside in the Heritage Hall. Attendees can meet the grand marshals of this year’s Cotton Days and hear about their lives. Following the fireside, there will be old-fashioned refreshments and socializing.
For Cotton Days event registration and other information, visit CottonDays.org.
