It’s once again time for Naturita Days, an annual holiday that was commonplace years ago, one that fizzled out in years past, but is now back with a strong presence and for the purpose of gathering community to celebrate the town. Lille Love, treasurer for the Town of Naturita, told the Forum on Monday that many activities have been planned, and she hopes people will come out and enjoy what’s typically a beautiful day, weather-wise. Many of the events happen in the Naturita Town Park, the hub for most of Naturita Days. All are invited to attend the festivities on May 31, this Saturday.
The parade will begin the day’s celebration, at 10 a.m., and this year’s theme for Naturita Days is “Naturita: Past, Present and Future.” Lillie said people should plan to line up at 9:30 a.m. at the Mormon church to participate in walking down Main Street, Highway 141. All are welcome to enter, including walkers, bicycles, floats and horses.
Afterward, various games will be happening throughout the day, and the community is invited to come over to the park and participate.
“So we will be having horse shoes, corn hole and volleyball,” Love said. “There will be sack races for the kids, as well as bouncy houses.”
In keeping with tradition, the Nucla-Naturita Fire Department will be bringing a fire truck down to the park, in order to spray down the crowd — only those who wish to get wet and cool off.
Vendors will be set up in the Naturita Town Park too with arts and crafts booths, but also food items. Love said a few food trucks will be feeding people, and there will be some sweets. Different hands-on activities for children will take place. Beer will be sold again this year, but served out of the concession stand venue near the baseball fields. All are asked to drink responsibly.
As has happened the last several years, a softball tournament will be ongoing throughout the day.
“We have the softball teams coming in,” Love said. “I believe there are 12 teams for Saturday, and eight teams set for Sunday. They are going to be playing most all day.”
The event finishes with a community dance from 6 to 10 p.m. with a DJ. The dance is family friendly, and all are invited to attend.
Love said producing Naturita Days took a committee of several volunteers.
“We've had a lot of help from many people over the last few months to put this together and help with fundraising,” she said, “like Karen Love, Mayor Gene Greenwood, Hank Miller and Jennifer Miller, Melinda Riley, Bryan Keeton.”
Love said there are more too, and she didn’t want to forget or miss anyone.
The committee encourages all to enjoy Naturita Days.
“I believe the day is important, partially as a way to give back to the community,” she said. “It gives everyone something to do and a chance to come together.”
She said it’s also a way to cherish the area and remember the colorful history from year to year.
