History of Pony Express Days
About Pony Express Days
McKinleyville’s biggest community celebration has been going strong since 1968, and it keeps getting better. Here’s the story behind it, what you can expect, and a look back at some of our favorite moments.
OUR STORY
Where It All Began
Pony Express Days was born in the summer of 1968, planned by the Greater McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce and announced by Chamber President Earl Whipple with a simple promise: come spend the day with us, all events are free.
The name has nothing to do with the famous mail route of the 1860s, the Pony Express never delivered to the North Coast in Humboldt County. What it does refer to is the event’s original main attraction: a horse relay race modeled after the Pony Express, where teams of five riders raced around a track passing mail bags like batons. The first race was held at what’s now Pierson Park, back when it was still the Pony and Pals Saddle Club horse arena.
That very first event got rained out in August. The parade and baseball game were canceled, and the barbecue was moved indoors to Pete’s Bella Vista, the building that’s now Six Rivers Brewery. Nearly 3,000 people showed up anyway, and together they worked through 2,000 pounds of beef. The horse race was rescheduled and held September 8th behind the McKinleyville Fire Station. The event kept its name, and the community kept showing up.
“Come and spend the day with us. We have a full exciting program of events, all of which are free — and do wear your western togs.” — Chamber President Earl Whipple, 1968
The festival grew and changed over the decades, just like McKinleyville itself. Professional rodeos at the McKinleyville Rodeo Grounds on Kjer Road were a fixture for many years. Wild West shows, gymkhana, pancake breakfasts, clam chowder cook-offs, chili cook-offs, and live music all became part of the mix. The original Pony Express Race eventually wound down in the early 1990s, the arena at Pierson Park was developed into what’s now Azalea Hall, the Activity Center, the Library, and the Sheriff’s Office, and the course needed was too large to relocate.
Today, Pony Express Days is bigger and more community-driven than ever. The parade still rolls down Central Avenue. Pierson Park still fills up with families. New traditions like the Pie Eating Contest and the Window Decorating Contest have taken root. And every summer, McKinleyville still shows up, not just to watch, but to be part of it.
Historical information sourced from the McKinleyville Press, Jack Durham, June 2012.
Photos from Pony Express Days through the years: Grandma’s Kids parade float (1989), community members dressed in western costumes at the festival grounds (1989), Eleanor Sullivan riding as Grand Marshal (1989), Pierson Park packed with families (2010), the Fireman’s Muster bucket brigade (2011), and the first-ever Pie Eating Contest champions (2025)
What to Expect at Pony Express Days
Whether it’s your first year or your fifteenth, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a taste of what Pony Express Days brings to town each June:
Annual favorites often include the Chili Cook-Off, parade down Central Avenue, family festival at Pierson Park, local vendors, food, live music, contests, and community activities. More 2026 details will be added as soon.
Watch the 2025 Recap
Couldn’t make it last year, or just want to relive it? Here’s the official 2025 Pony Express Days Video.
