Panaca Celebrates 161 Years of Pioneer Spirit on July 26th

PANACA — It’s that time of year again when the people of Panaca and the surrounding communities come together to honor the legacy of the early pioneers who first entered Meadow Valley. Panaca’s festivities will take place on Saturday, July 26th with a full day of tradition, family fun, and hometown pride.

The day kicks off bright and early (and loudly) with the signature dynamite wake-up at 6:00 a.m., followed by the 5K fun run starting at the LDS church on Main Street. Afterward, a hearty breakfast of pancakes and eggs will be served on the church lawn after the flag-raising ceremony.

By 9 a.m., the action spreads out. Kids’ foot races take place outside on the lawn. At 10 o’clock, the 3-point shootout and arm-wrestling contest will begin. Later in the morning, children can cool off during the money scramble at Lincoln County High School, courtesy of the Panaca Fire Department.

At 1pm, all are invited to an uplifting devotional with special speaker, Ann Wadsworth Packard.

The Pioneer Day Parade begins at 4:00 p.m., making its way down Main Street, led by this year’s Grand Marshal, Dawn Lee.

A lifelong Panaca resident, Dawn Adair Lee has quietly shaped her community through decades of love, service, and strength. Her ancestors (Adair, Wadsworth, and Keele families) were among the first to arrive in Meadow Valley. Married to the late Kenny D Lee (a beloved local rancher and former Grand Marshal himself) Dawn built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. The couple raised four children in Panaca and have left a lasting impact on generations. Honoring Dawn this year continues a cherished family legacy of community contribution and pioneer values.

This year’s parade theme is “Following in Their Footsteps.” Floats are still welcome, and local families, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to participate. To register, contact Jenny Allen at (435) 313-4689.

The celebration continues with a silent auction and dinner at 5:00 p.m. The cornhole tournament and lawn games begin at 7pm. The day concludes with Panaca’s traditional fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, Pioneer Day is the perfect time to celebrate the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future.