Mesquite Days Are Back!

By JAIRO VALLEJO

The Progress

The Kokopelli Landscape float makes its way down Mesquite Boulevard during the Mesquite Days Parade on Saturday morning. Those riding on board threw treats out to kids along the roadside. PHOTO BY JASON ANDRUS/The Progress

After three years of not being able to observe its big annual celebration of the great City of Mesquite, the Mesquite Athletics and Leisure Services Department kicked off the 2022 Mesquite Days Celebration last week with a flair.

The fun began on Wednesday, May 4. “May the fourth be with you” was the common expression heard inside the Recreation Center that day in observance of the popular Star Wars Day. Anyone who wore Star Wars attire into the facility was granted a free day pass by Lord Nick Montoya.

Family Fun Night was next at the Old Mill Ballparks. a great turnout of family and friends gathered to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Mesquite becoming a city.

“We are incredibly proud of our community for showing up tonight,” stated Recreation Coordinator Nicole Burton. “We wanted to especially thank all of our sponsors who made this event possible!”

Mesquite residents came out en masse to enjoy the weekend of activities at the Mesquite Days event. PHOTO BY JASON ANDRUS/The Progress

On Thursday, Elspeth Kuta, Virgin Valley Heritage Museum Coordinator, hosted the Historical Walking Tour. Patrons were able to learn about the history of Mesquite in its earliest neighborhoods.

A Founders Forum event was held in the City Council Chambers that evening, where members of the community could listen to more about the rich history of Mesquite.

On Friday the main event-level fun began. The city hosted the Mesquite Days Carnival for the weekend at the Rec Center’s West Field location.

Carnival-goers were able to enjoy live music by local musicians who played throughout the entire weekend.

There were vendors lined all across the West Field selling food, crafts, and face paintings! More vendors were providing essential information to the public about the following election, local utilities, and much more.

Mesquite mayor Al Litman and City Councilman George Gault lead out the parade in the Mesquite Fire Department vintage fire engine at the Mesquite Days celebration last weekend. PHOTO BY JASON ANDRUS/The Progress

Delighted squeals from children and teens could be heard on top of the infamous Kamikaze carnival ride.

On Saturday morning, a large crowd lined the downtown section of Mesquite Boulevard awaiting the annual Mesquite Days Parade. Nearly 30 entries made their way down the Boulevard in grand style. Candy, t-shirts and other fun items were thrown out to onlookers to the delight of hundreds of children, family and friends gathered there.

“We are very excited to be able to celebrate Mesquite Days after it being gone for so long,” said Mesquite Recreation Manager, Zach Robison. “We really appreciate all the hard work that the community and staff put in this week.”

It was a windy weekend. But that did not stop the Mesquite community from coming and celebrating the 35th anniversary of Mesquite becoming a city.