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

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

Movie in the Park – 6PM Rated G Movie. 8PM Rated PG-13 Movie.

5:00pm – Animal Scavenger Hunt (ages 5-13)

5:00pm – Local artists, fan-favorite food trucks

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

8:00am – 10:00am Lions Club Pancake Breakfast – All you can eat pancakes, sausages, juice & coffee. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children

9:00am Splash of Color Fun Run – benefiting the Golden Eagle Senior Center, sponsored by Slifer, Smith & Frampton

10:30am PARADE on Broadway – 2026 THEME: Wild About Eagle

11:00am – 9:00pm Festivities, Food & Fun

11:00am – 7:00pm FREE Kid Zone – Ninja Warrior Course, Inflatable Bull, Climbing Wall, Bounce Houses, Face Painting

11:00am – 1:00pm LIVE MUSIC – Stratus Blues Band

1:00pm – 2:00pm Pet Contest – REGISTRATION

3:00pm

5:00pm – 6:30pm LIVE MUSIC

7:00pm – 9:00pm LIVE MUSIC

SPLASH OF COLOR FUN RUN REGISTRATION

Saturday, June 27 | Race Start 9:00 a.m.

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

PARADE REGISTRATION

Saturday, June 27, Town of Eagle’s beloved Flight Days Parade! 2026 Theme is WILD ABOUT EAGLE

10:30am Parade Start

10:00am Line-Up starts at 2nd St. & Howard

Prize for best float (For-Profit & Non-Profit)

VENDOR REGISTRATION

Registration fee free, unless you want the shade. Prime location under the large oak trees is $150. Limit 6 spots under the trees.

Event times:

Friday, June 26: 5:00pm – 10:00pm

Saturday, June 27: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Thank You 2025 Sponsors!