After many Navajo Taco Nights of fundraising in the last year, the Nucla Water Days Steering Committee is gearing up for its annual holiday, which takes place this year on July 4. This year’s theme is “Celebrate,” and that pertains to so much in 2026.
For those waiting on an announcement of the Water Days royalty, things will look a bit different.
“We are changing it up a bit this year and are celebrating our kings and queens of past Water Days,” spokesperson Tina Carver said in a news release. “We hope they'll dust off their tiaras and join us in the parade.”
While there won’t be a designated float or any special car, all past Water Days royalty are invited to come and ride in their own cars, ATVs or on their motorcycles.
“We are just celebrating,” Carver said, but added there is so much to honor this year.
That includes 250 years of the U.S., 150 years of Colorado, 132 years of the Colorado Cooperative Company, 113 years of the Town of Nucla, 88 years of San Miguel Power Association, 80 years of the Nucla-Naturita Telephone Company, plus 122 years of Nucla Water Days.
“Let's celebrate our history,” Carver said. “With the exception of the United States of America and Colorado, all of these were created right here in our little community.”
It all kicks off Friday night, July 3, at 5 p.m. Then, the town will close down Main Street in Nucla, between 4th and 5th avenues. Community members are invited to come gather. There will be music on site, courtesy of Music the Band, and dancing is encouraged.
In keeping with tradition, the Rimrocker Historical Society will be serving up ice cream in front of the museum, providing a total of 20 gallons until they’re gone.
At the same time, the Nucla-Naturita Fire Department is doing its fundraiser, over by the Vestal House this year, in the alcove where Saucy Mama was. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served.
On Saturday, July 4, the Nucla-Naturita Chamber of Commerce will hold a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. The parade line-up is a 10 a.m., and the parade begins at 11 a.m. and will travel down Main Street. Horses, cars, floats, walkers and more are invited to come participate.
Later, the annual horse shoe tournament will happen in the Nucla Town Park, with a cash jackpot. The band Simmer Down will be playing, and local DJ Jason Carver will be set up too.
“Of course, we have food vendors and crafts,” said Carver. “And, the Water Days Steering Committee would like to remind everyone that these are family-friendly events, so no alcohol as per town regulations.”
Carver and the committee hope to see everyone out for the town-wide holiday.
“Let's all take the day and celebrate our country, our state and our community,” Carver said. “We would also like to let everyone know that with the dry drought conditions there will be no fireworks this year. Also, we will not be doing the cool down this year.”
Still, there will be water slides in the park, as usual, and the Town of Nucla has fixed the splash pad, so that’s an option for the kids to cool off during the 2026 Water Days.
