Caliente marks 75 Years of Memorial Day Homecoming traditions

Caliente marked its 75th Annual Memorial Day Homecoming Celebration over the long weekend of May 23 to 26. 

The event brought together residents and visitors for parades, food, games and ceremonies. Many of the events have been part of local tradition for generations. The four-day celebration honored military service while providing opportunities for community connection.

The weekend kicked off Friday afternoon with the annual Nevada Bank & Trust BBQ. Long lines of locals and out-of-towners formed to enjoy food and friendly conversation. Staff prepared grilled hot dogs accompanied by cut watermelon, potato salad, chips and popcorn. A table covered in prizes sat tucked into one corner, drawing attention from all ages. Visitors were encouraged to enter the drawing free of charge. Staff from Nevada Bank & Trust welcomed attendees, handed out raffle tickets and kept the atmosphere light and inviting as hundreds filtered in to start their Memorial Day weekend.

Saturday’s activities began with the 4-H breakfast at Rose Park, where community volunteers served plates of pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon for $10. Families spent the morning visiting vendor booths and joining in the 4-H club’s outdoor games. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the laughter and light-hearted competition. Traditional lawn games added to the sense of small-town charm.

Vendor tents lined the park, offering everything from handmade goods to refreshments. Vendors included America’s Choice Realty, the Caliente Emporium, Imagination Library, Homecoming T-shirt sales, Kevin Coleman LMT, Krystal’s Customs, La Cocina Goyis taco truck, the LCHS Alumni Raffle, LC Tropical Snow, The Pour House’s rootbeer floats, Pom Valley Candle and Sagebrush Stitches.

Throughout the weekend, Caliente’s Boxcar Museum was open to visitors, while the Caliente Farmers Market offered local produce and goods. Softball tournaments took place on nearby fields. The concession stand provided lunch, drinks and snacks for those cheering from the sidelines.

Saturday morning also featured the annual Caliente Memorial Day Homecoming Parade down Clover Street. Community members lined the sidewalks as decorated vehicles and floats rolled by. The parade was coordinated by Brittney Culver, and Keith Larson served as grand marshal. Winners of the parade contest were announced following the event. LCHS received first place. Steve Garrett of VFW Post 7114 earned second place with his burgundy truck, and third place went to Miss Rodeo Mini Princess. In the kids’ category, Silver State UTV Rentals took first, and Brody Hodge took second.

After the parade, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the historic Caliente Depot. Mayor Steve Rowe presided and Sean FitzSimons led the ceremony. The presentation recognized the importance of preserving Caliente’s historic landmarks for future generations. Following the ribbon cutting, groups were led by Rick Phillips on tours through the depot.

Teva Avery hosted the Fun Run later that day, with participants of all ages jogging in the spirit of friendly competition. First place went to Sadie Ivins, followed by Mike Wood in second and Tyler Tennille in third. Saturday evening wrapped up with Tall Bike Ed’s “Light the Night” ride, where over 40 riders and tag-alongs cruised through town together after dark. Bike after bike trailed behind Ed on his oversized bicycle, each one covered in lights. Music, sirens and the dinging of bike bells filled the street as the participants paraded around Caliente.

On Sunday, families poured into Rose Park carrying chairs, tables, pop-up tents and picnic blankets. The park filled quickly with people ready to enjoy the community barbecue. The meat, traditionally cooked in the ground over the weekend at the park, was served up hot and hearty. Volunteers from the Caliente Volunteer Fire Department, along with Rosemary Davis and Eric and Kassidi Bart, worked side by side to plate the meals. Dessert cupcakes were donated by members of the community.

The meal was accompanied by a salute to veterans led by the VFW. The salute featured a prayer from Pastor Sili Latu of the United Methodist Church, who offered words of reflection for veterans and the community. Veterans were then invited to line up to allow community members to thank them and shake their hands. The VFW Ladies Auxiliary group handed flags to veterans as the line ended. Jeff Johnson of the Caliente Homecoming Committee then presented a surprise $1,500 check to Commander Jack Horner of VFW Post 7114. The funds, Horner noted, would go toward maintenance of the VFW Cemetery.

The annual Sunday car show, hosted by Jeff Johnson and Eddie Fruend, brought 19 entries to the park. Best of Show was awarded to Danny Price of Cedar City, Utah, for his 1957 orange and gold GMC. The People’s Choice Award went to Laura Price of Cedar City for her 1965 blue Mustang. She shared that she and her family enjoy returning to Caliente each year to reconnect with friends, neighbors and former classmates. The Work in Progress award was given to Aspen Jade Huntington for her 1970 blue Ford truck.

After the car show awards were announced, the crowd gathered for the traditional button drawing. Thousands of buttons had been sold in the weeks leading up to the event. Attendees waited eagerly as winning numbers were called for thousands of dollars in prizes, including several $500 cash prizes. All items and cash were distributed during the drawing, which marked the conclusion of Sunday’s festivities.

On Monday morning, the community once again gathered, this time at the Caliente Veterans Cemetery. Hosted by the local VFW, the final ceremony of Memorial Day was a solemn salute to fallen soldiers and all who have served. “Memorial Day acts as a reminder to live life worthy of their sacrifice, to be a good citizen and to serve our community,” said Horner. “It’s our duty to make sure that the next generation understands that freedom is never free.” 

Pastor Sili Latu joined in with a prayer to honor those who gave their lives for freedom. “We place flowers, say their names and we remember,” said Pastor Sili. “In remembering, we are changed.” 

The service closed out the 75th Annual Caliente Memorial Day and Homecoming with remembrance and gratitude.