Celebrating all things Warden
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 months AGO
Ballet Folkórico performed during Monday’s Warden Community Days at Warden City Park. After the group's performance confetti filled the air.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, stops during the Warden Community Days parade to allow three residents to pet his horse.
The Warden Community Days Parade marches down Main Street Monday.
Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez talks with members of the parade Monday. She said she loves Warden and Warden Community Days is her favorite event of the year.
On Monday, people gathered at Warden Park to race in inflatables. Warden High School track runner L.J. Beavers, pictured in the bear costume, won the race.
Ballet Folkórico poses for a photo after performing at Warden Community Days. The group performed a traditional line dance for park attendees.
The Bubble Fairy, Kirsten Hogan, fills the sky with bubbles Monday at the Warden Community Days parade.
Warden residents, both younger and older, collect candy off Main Street on Monday.
The volleyball tournament at Warden City Park begins Monday. There were a handful of teams signed up before Monday, but many joined the day of the event.
A young Warden community member has bubbles blown at him as he sits in his pink car.
Ballet Folkórico members cruise down Main Street in Warden on Monday for Warden Community Days.
Warden cheerleaders wait for the parade to start Monday.
A Warden High School soccer player hands a young resident candy during the parade Monday.
Two Warden Community Days parade participants smile through their truck window Monday.
The Warden High School girls soccer team waits for the Warden Community Days parade to start.
WARDEN — The annual Warden Community Days kicked off this past weekend, drawing crowds for a series of events celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. As the Labor Day festivities unfolded, residents gathered to enjoy activities ranging from a vibrant parade to an inflatable costume race, marking the occasion with laughter and camaraderie.
“Warden Community Days is a way for us all to come together,” said Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez. “It’s wonderful to see everyone supporting one another. This event brings a great sense of pride to our agricultural community.”
The event began on Saturday with a classic car show, followed by a free community dinner featuring hamburgers and hot dogs — a highlight for many attendees.
“We served over 600 hamburgers and around 300 hot dogs yesterday alone,” reported volunteer Travis Jorgensen. “It’s a lot of work, but seeing the community come together makes it all worthwhile.”
On Monday, the excitement peaked with the Community Days Parade, where local families lined the streets to watch floats and participants celebrate the town.
“I loved the parade — it was vibrant and full of energy,” said Martinez. “The participation from our community members is a testament to our pride in Warden.”
Following the parade, the inaugural inflatable race captivated participants and spectators alike.
“I feel pretty great about winning,” said 16-year-old L.J. Beavers, who competed in a bear costume.
He credited his experience in cross country running as a factor in his victory, adding, “I think I had an advantage.”
His mother, who donned a full Kool-Aid Man suit, tripped during the race, which Beavers said he thought was kind of ironic.
“She signed both of us up and I just agreed to do it,” Beavers said. “She trips and I win.”
The festivity also showcased the talents of the “Bubble Fairy,” Kirsten Hogan, who charmed children with her large, colorful bubbles.
“I just love the kids,” Hogan said. “Their excitement, their energy, it’s electric.”
Hogan, who comes from Canada, said she is enjoying her stay in Warden.
“It’s a really sweet community and I have felt very welcomed,” she said.
As the weekend drew to a close, attendees expressed their hopes for the future of Warden Community Days.
“Every year seems to get a little bit better,” said Martinez. “With continued participation from our community and new ideas, I see this event thriving.”
Rep. Tom Dent, R-Moses Lake, stops during the Warden Community Days parade to allow three residents to pet his horse.
The Warden Community Days Parade marches down Main Street Monday.
Warden Mayor Rosaelia Martinez talks with members of the parade Monday. She said she loves Warden and Warden Community Days is her favorite event of the year.
On Monday, people gathered at Warden Park to race in inflatables. Warden High School track runner L.J. Beavers, pictured in the bear costume, won the race.
Ballet Folkórico poses for a photo after performing at Warden Community Days. The group performed a traditional line dance for park attendees.
The Bubble Fairy, Kirsten Hogan, fills the sky with bubbles Monday at the Warden Community Days parade.
Warden residents, both younger and older, collect candy off Main Street on Monday.
The volleyball tournament at Warden City Park begins Monday. There were a handful of teams signed up before Monday, but many joined the day of the event.
A young Warden community member has bubbles blown at him as he sits in his pink car.
Ballet Folkórico members cruise down Main Street in Warden on Monday for Warden Community Days.
Warden cheerleaders wait for the parade to start Monday.
A Warden High School soccer player hands a young resident candy during the parade Monday.
Two Warden Community Days parade participants smile through their truck window Monday.
The Warden High School girls soccer team waits for the Warden Community Days parade to start.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
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