Every year, the heart of Deer Park beats a little louder as residents and visitors come together to celebrate Settlers Day. This beloved tradition, steeped in history, offers a joyous weekend filled with events and activities for all ages.

The event founded in 1921, Deer Park Settlers Day honors the town’s history and heritage through various festivities, including parades, vendors, food stalls, and live music. The mid-July event transforms the quiet city into a bustling celebration hub.

Friday, July 26th

Clayton Rodeo 

The Clayton Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday at the Clayton Fair Grounds, 4616 Wallbridge Road, in Clayton. Kicking off at 7:30 pm each night, the event promises an exhilarating display of horsemanship and excitement with rodeo events. Learn more about this event in our article at: DPGazette.com/j49pu.

Saturday, July 27th

Parade

At 10 am, the Settlers Parade will start from various locations along East Crawford, proceed to Main Avenue, continue to Fourth Street, and finally end at Mix Park. Parade judges and an announcer will be located in front of the Deer Park City Hall. The parade features elaborately decorated floats and marching bands and is always a weekend highlight.

Leading the parade this year will be Grand Marshal Joe Feist, a respected community member known for his dedication and contributions to Deer Park. Honored Settlers Vince and Lafern Janson will also be celebrated for their long-standing commitment to the town. Additionally, the Community Service Traveling Trophy was awarded to BBD (Bicycles by Deron), recognizing their outstanding service and impact on the community.

Grand Marshal Joe Feist

Joe Feist has been an educator for over four decades and recently retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year. This concluded his 17-year tenure as the principal of Deer Park High School. Feist, a Deer Park resident for 24 years, shares his life with his wife, Shanna, and their four adult children. Beyond his educational career, Feist has been deeply involved in the community. After retirement, Feist plans to remain in Deer Park, where he will continue to support local schools and community events.

Honored Settlers Vince and LaFern Janson

LaFern Janson, a Deer Park native, graduated from Deer Park High School(DPHS) in 1963. Her grandparents’ house is now Farmhouse Froyo, and she spent her childhood fishing in ponds her grandfather. Vance, LaFern’s husband, moved to Deer Park at age ten, and graduated from DPHS in 1960. He first saw LaFern hunting frogs near her home on Sherman Road. Vance lived nearby and often went hunting with his dog, Zip. Now residing in Williams Valley, the couple have been married for over 60 years. They played a significant role in the community, including being founding members of the Clayton Farmers Market.

Community Service Traveling Trophy BBD Bicycles by Deron

Owners of Bicycles By Deron, the Schroeders have turned a hobby into a thriving business that supports various community activities. They organize events like the Community Wednesday and Full Moon Rides, as well as trips to places like the Hiawatha Trail. They actively engage with local sports teams, schools, and other community groups, and Deron serves on the Spokane BMX board of directors while Jessica is vice president of the Arcadia PTCA. Their future goals include improving recreational opportunities for children and families, such as developing bike tracks at Library Park, with ongoing support from the community.

Mix Park Events

The Car Show will captivate automobile enthusiasts with a stunning display of classic and contemporary vehicles from 8am to 3pm. 

After the parade, from 11:30am to 1pm, Mix Park will also host food, craft, and commercial booths. Activities will include class and family reunions, community events, the Reiter Games, a Safety Fair, and musical performances. 

Visit the Kiwanis Food Booth starting at 11am to enjoy their delicious meals and support Kiwanis’ community events like Winterfest, the Kid Helmet Giveaway, and the Circus. Deer Park Music Boosters will also have a Dunk Tank, Bounce House, Face Painting, $5 meals and cotton candy. They will have an AllStar dunk lineup starting at 11:30am, featuring Deer Park School Superintendent Alexa Allman, Kelsie Carlson of Picket Fence, Billy Costello a Deer Park City Councilman, Bob Reilly of Bob Mart, Brandon Lyngstad of Masters Brewhouse, Cory Thompson Deer Park High School Music Director, and Deputy Moser a Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy. The dunker earning the most funds will win a Steel Pan performance at their business for Pumpkin Lane. If you need more food options to meet your needs, there will be many more food vendors to meet.

The official Settlers Days Program will begin at 1pm and feature the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and the announcement of parade awards. Mix Park events will wrap up at 3pm.  

VFW

VFW Post 3067 and American Legion Post 12 will be hosting activities to celebrate Settlers Day from 11am to 9pm. The event will feature a Beer Garden open all day, with live music by Mike Brown from 1pm to 5pm and lunch served from 1pm to 3pm. Attendees can enjoy a variety of fun activities, including gold panning, corn hole, cotton candy, and snow cones. The celebration is open to everyone and will take place at 29 E 1st St in Deer Park. Please note that this is a cash-only establishment, but an ATM is available on the premises. Be sure to bring your ID.

Sunday, July 28th

Churches from the Deer Park area will congregate for a community worship service at 10:30am in Mix Park. The service will feature a worship team composed of members from various local churches and include a special guest speaker. The event is open to all, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. A community-wide potluck will take place following the service. Participants are asked to bring food to share, while beverages will be provided by the organizers.

Download Forms for Settlers Day for Printing

• Settlers – Parade Entry Form
• Settlers – Hold Harmless agreement
• Commercial Booth Application
• Food Booth Application
• Craft Booth Application

Sources:

• Tri-County Settlers Association. (2024). Deer Park Settlers Day. Deer Park, WA: Printed Flyer.
• Deer Park Gazette. “WinterFest 2023 Honors the Schroeder.” Deer Park Gazette, 13 January 2023, News.dpgazette.com/2023/01/winterfest-2023-honors-the-schroders. Accessed 16 July 2024.
• Clayton Rodeo. Claytonrodeo.com. Accessed 15 July 2024.