Five Days and Counting: 35th annual Dayton Valley Days happening Sept. 21-22

The countdown continues as we are five days away from Dayton Valley Days, a two-day outdoor street festival where friends and families come together to celebrate in the historic downtown area. Now in its 35th year, the festival will be held in Old Town Dayton on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22 starting at 8:30 a.m.

It's the largest to date with 150 vendors, crafters and food trucks and informational booths expected to line Pike Street. Organized by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, Dayton Valley Days is packed with fun activities for everyone.

The Show 'n' Shine kicks off Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on Main St., showcasing over 50 cars and trucks of all makes. The Cherry Bomb Betties will host the inaugural Pin-Up Contest on the vintage front balcony of Js' Bistro, beginning at 11:30 AM, with the Queen crowned at 12:30 PM. Another exciting Saturday-only event is the Cornhole tournament, sponsored by Sierra Nevada Cornhole, starting at 10 a.m. (see info below).

Greg Austin will perform Saturday afternoon on the Front Porch of the Community Center, bringing music sure to get everyone rocking. On Sunday, the band Jacked Up Tahoe, a five-piece group known for keeping toes tapping, will perform on the Front Porch.

On Sunday, don’t miss the beloved and popular Pet Parade! Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the Dog Park Booth (located by Compadres), with the parade beginning at 10 AM.

Stop by the Community Center for the Pancake Breakfast, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Dayton Valley. Breakfast starts at 7:30 a.m. each day, featuring eggs, sausage, all-you-can-eat pancakes, and Larry’s Gourmet Coffee!

Be sure to check out Dayton Valley Days favorites like Comstock Gold Panning, Historical Society of Dayton Valley Museum Tours, the Antique Tractor Exhibit (on 2nd Street), and over 140 craft and food booths. The Dayton Valley Lions Club will offer their "Vision Screening for Children" program inside the Community Center. The Kids Zone, sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, will feature games, fun activities, and a climbing wall, all located next to Compadres in shady Logan Alley.

Brittnee Somers, Vice President of Events for the Chamber and Dayton Valley Days Co-Chair, has led the event since the Chamber took it over in 2022. "This year, we’ve extended Saturday’s hours to 6 PM to give everyone more time to enjoy the event," said Somers. "Don’t forget to add Dayton Valley Days to your calendar!"

Cathy Mitchell, who co-chairs Dayton Valley Days with Somers, is in charge of the Raffle and Silent Auction, held inside the Community Center (170 Pike St.). Mitchell encourages everyone to stop by and get a head start on their Christmas shopping! Raffle hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

John Cassinelli, Chamber President and Lyon County Commissioner-Elect, is helping with the heavy lifting. From moving bleacher stands to setting up the food tent, you'll find John wherever there’s work to be done! Be sure to join him for a beer at the Cornhole Tournament on Saturday!

Richard Mitrotz, the new Executive Director of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, who began his role on May 1st, has hit the ground running. He expressed his gratitude to legendary artist Steven Saylor for creating the artwork commemorating the 35th anniversary and for allowing the Chamber to produce limited-edition, signed, and numbered event t-shirts and other merchandise. Saylor’s wife, Johnye, serves on the Chamber board and is a member of the event committee.

"We wouldn’t be able to run this festival without the hard work of the Dayton Valley Days committee" said Mitrotz. The committee is made up of festival vendors, Chamber members, and local citizens who work for months to prepare for this autumn event.

For more information about Dayton Valley Days or the Chamber, contact Richard at (775) 246-7909 or director@daytonnvchamber.com.