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Redmond Derby Days is an annual summer festival held in the city of Redmond, Washington.
| Redmond Derby Days | |
|---|---|
| Type | Civic Festival |
| Celebrations | Bicycle and footraces, carnival rides, kid's activities, fireworks |
| Date | Second weekend of July[1] |
| Frequency | Annual |
| First time | 1939 |
| Related to | Redmond, Washington |
Former Redmond mayor John Marchione states the festival celebrates the city's "small-town roots and innovative spirit."[2] The festival features a Grand Parade, a pancake breakfast by the Redmond Fire Department, a 5K run, and the Criterium bike race.[3]
History
editThe event originated as the Redmond Bike Derby, held to raise money for Christmas decorations and athletic gear for schools. Inaugurated in 1939, the Derby Day races are the oldest continuous bike race in the United States.[4] The original route was a circuit around Lake Sammamish. A contemporary report claims "everyone in general agreed that this festival should become an annual affair."[5]
The Derby Days were not held from 1942 to 1945, due to World War II.[6]
The 2020 Derby Days were initially cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] The city later announced that the festival would be held online, in a "2020 Virtual Edition."[8]
References
edit- ^ "Derby Days History". Redmond Historical. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "'Ready, Set, GO': Redmond Derby Days gets rolling this weekend". Redmond Reporter. 2016-06-29. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Derby Days: A city staple for 75 years". Redmond Reporter. 2015-07-10. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ Hardy, Naomi; Llanos, Miguel; Ives, Rosemarie (2013). "An Overview of Redmond's History". Redmond Historical Society. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "1939 Derby Days - the first - drew huge crowds". Redmond Historical Society. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "Derby Days History". Redmond Historical. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Redmond cancels summer events, including Derby Days". Redmond Reporter. 2020-04-22. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Redmond Derby Days goes virtual". Redmond Reporter. 2020-06-09. Retrieved 2024-05-09.