Pioneer Days began as a three-day celebration conceived by Josephine Cortes in 1956 before expanding into a weeklong event. After the Englewood Chamber of Commerce took over sponsorship, the festival was scaled back. The cardboard boat races return Saturday, Sept. 5, to Indian Mound Park. The traditional parade takes place Monday, followed by music and activities at Pioneer Park.
Saturday, September 5, 9 a.m.
Cardboard Boat Races
Join the Englewood Sailing Association and Lasbury Tracy Realty for the Englewood Pioneer Days Cardboard Boat Races at Indian Mound Park, 210 Winson Avenue. Enjoy music, festivities, pirates, prizes, food and drinks available for purchase, and fun! Attendees are encouraged to bring a folding chair. Overflow parking is located four blocks away at Orange Avenue and Green Street, with Stumpy’s Free Ride Shuttle providing transportation from the Green Street lot starting at 8:30 a.m. Registration available at englewoodchamber.com.
Sunday, September 6, 1 p.m.
Englewood Pioneer Days Diaper Derby
Join the Lemon Bay Woman’s Club for the Englewood Pioneer Days ’70s Disco Diaper Derby at the Lemon Bay Woman’s Club, 51 N. Maple Street.
Monday, September 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
9 a.m.
Pioneer Days Parade
West Dearborn Street
This year’s theme is “70’s Disco”.
The parade starts at 9 a.m. sharp! It leaves Englewood Shopping Center, 240 S. Indiana Ave., travels west and turns right (north) on S. McCall, all the way to W. Dearborn St. Here, it turns left (west) and travels all the way to the Veterans Memorial at Old Englewood Rd.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pioneer Days Festival at Pioneer Plaza
325 W. Dearborn Street
Children’s games, crafts, food vendors and community information will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pioneer Plaza. Activities will feature games and crafts hosted by the Englewood Community Coalition, Englewood History Museum, GFWC Rotonda Woman’s Club and Lemon Bay Woman’s Club. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by Florida Bible Church and Hippie Squeeze Lemonade, while the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, Englewood Amateur Radio Society and others will offer community exhibits.
10:10 a.m.
Parade entry winners announced.
Hosted by Englewood Chamber of Commerce
10:30 a.m.
Pie Eating Contest
Hosted by Amy Gonzales, Realtor-Michael Saunders & Co. and The Dearborn Coffeehouse.
10:45 a.m.
Watermelon Eating Contest
Hosted by Amy Gonzales and The Dearborn Coffeehouse.
11 a.m.
Live Music
Hosted by Dale Shumate
