Selah Community Days

Selah Community Days Parade

Selah Community Days has been held for generations, changing its theme each year but sticking to the principles that draw thousands of visitors from well outside the quiet bedroom community.

“The whole program is for the kids in the community and for the kids in all of us,” said Jerry Henry, president of the event committee.

The 2011 version of the annual event took place May 19-22.

The four-day event kicked off Thursday with the “Hobo Feed,” where visitors can fill up on stew and hot dogs. The stew is served from a big kettle to evoke the hobo era.

One of more than 120 entries from the 2011 parade

Food sales and the carnival, featuring games, rides and vendors, are also part of the Thursday schedule.

No one can say exactly how far back Community Days goes, but it traces its roots to the pioneer days of the early 20th century, Henry said.

Fridays events include the carnival, a potato feed, live music and a poker run that evening, filled with motorcycles and vintage cars.

Saturday’s events get started with a pancake breakfast at the Civic Center and the parade starts mid-morning. A fireworks show is also held that night.

Sunday starts with a community “Fund Run” at 8 a.m., followed by free entertainment and the final day of the carnival.

For more information, visit the Selah Community Days website at www.selahdays.org.

— Mike Faulk