History of Eagle Flight Days

Eagle’s celebration, Eagle Flight Days, dates back to 1922. Then the town had a celebration in September to celebrate the abundant harvest of crops. In that time recreation, as we know it today, was unheard of, and the really big business was cattle raising, hay crops, huge and impressive potato harvest and lettuce raising for a time. So, the locals had a reason to celebrate.

The celebration needed a name, and a contest was conducted for that purpose. Mrs. George (Minnie) Nimon was the originator of the title “Eagle’s Flight” which became “Eagle’s Flight Days” of today.

Back in the beginning a lot of activity was packed into the one-day celebration. The big attraction was a ball game between a team from Edwards, and the local men. The Aspen Band provided a concert. The entertainment was followed by a street dance. Canvas was laid along the length of one block of Broadway, where the young and old “tripped the light fantastic” until a late hour. 

Just how many years the Flight celebration continued we are unable to learn, but eventually it was dropped, then reactivated in 1961. When started again, the celebration was turned into a two-day affair. One of the big things was the Little Britches Rodeo, which became the Junior Rodeo. A parade was initiated and various organizations filled the gaps with a pancake breakfast or spaghetti supper.

In 1970 John Oleson had a plane available for rides at the county airport. The American Legion, in Gypsum, offered their building for dancing. The celebration is sponsored by the Eagle Chamber of Commerce, who extends an invitation to the rest of the county and beyond.

(ARTICLE) The Eagle Valley Enterprise, Volume 71, Number 36, June 25, 1970 – Flight Days Born in 1922

2026 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – Wild About Eagle

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

5pm – Zookeeper Scavenger Hunt (ages 12 & under)

5-8pm – Jungle World Inflatable

5-10pm – Local Artists & Fan-Favorite Food Vendors

6pm – Movie in the Park – ZOOTOPIA 2 (2025) | Rated PG | 1h 48m

8pm – Movie in the Park – GOAT (2026) | Rated PG | 1h 40m

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

8-10am – Lions Club Pancake Breakfast – All-you-can-eat pancakes, sausages, juice & coffee. $12 for adults, $7 for children.

10am – Splash of Color Fun Run – benefiting the Golden Eagle Senior Center, sponsored by Slifer, Smith & Frampton

Parade Inspired Alternatives

11am-9pm – Local Artists & Fan-Favorite Food Vendors

11am- 7pm – FREE Kid Zone – Ninja Warrior Course, Bounces Houses, Inflatable Bull, Climbing Wall & Face Painting

11am – Pet Contest

12-2pm – LIVE MUSIC – Stratus Blues Band

4-6pm – LIVE MUSIC – Danger Mountain

7-9pm – LIVE MUSIC – THE MOTET

SPLASH OF COLOR FUN RUN

Saturday, June 27 | Eagle Town Park | 10:00 AM

9:30am – Registration – COMING SOON!

10:00am – START – This is a one-mile fun run through Bull Run Neighborhood, start & end at Eagle Town Park.

Participants will be splashed with water and colored powder! You are encouraged to wear a white t-shirt and protective eyewear.

$15 INDIVIDUAL Registration

$25 TEAM Registration (Prizes for Most Spirited Team)

VENDOR REGISTRATION

FREE Vendor Registration.

EVENT TIMES:

Friday, June 26 | Eagle Town Park | 5 – 10 PM

Saturday, June 27 | Eagle Town Park | 11 AM – 9 PM

Become a Sponsor!

We are actively seeking sponsors. This year we are offering Branded Activation. Sponsor an event activation for a $1,500 investment. Some activations include Movie in the Park, Ninja Warrior Course, Live Music on Centennial Stage. Your support helps bring our community together. Become a sponsor today!

Special Events Manager | Molly Furtado | molly.furtado@townofeagle.org