mmcolm@valleypublishinginc.com 

LA JARA- For generations, La Jara residents have gathered each summer to celebrate the town's history, and enjoy a day dedicated to hometown pride. On Saturday, July 26, that tradition continues as La Jara Glory Days returns with a full schedule of family activities, live music, a community breakfast, parade, car show and opportunities for neighbors and visitors alike to reconnect. 

While many attend the entertainment, La Jara Town Manager Larry Zaragoza said the celebration represents something much deeper. 

According to Zaragoza, the event was originally known as Lasso Days, but years later organizers renamed it La Jara Glory Days to recognize the sacrifices made by the nation's military veterans. 

"The whole reason behind that was to honor our veterans that are serving or have served, male and female, at any time," Zaragoza said. 

Although several longtime committee members stepped away after nearly two decades of volunteer service following last year's celebration, Zaragoza said a new group quickly came together to ensure one of La Jara's most cherished traditions would continue. 

Planning for the event begins months in advance. Zaragoza said committee members start meeting in March before increasing their schedule to twice a month in June and weekly as the celebration draws near. 

"It takes a lot of people to work together," he said. "There's a tremendous amount of planning that goes into making this happen." 

One of the day's most meaningful attractions is the Cars for a Cause – Art Lopez Car Show, named in memory of longtime San Luis Valley resident Art Lopez, who was known for his love of classic cars and his dedication to community events. 

"Art was always active," Zaragoza said. "He was a big advocate for car shows." 

After Lopez lost his battle with cancer, organizers renamed the event in his honor. Today, the car show continues its legacy by raising money to assist local families facing the financial burdens that often accompany cancer treatment. 

"Helping families that have family members that are battling cancer," Zaragoza said. "Maybe giving them a little support financially for either food costs, lodging or gas when they go for treatment. That's the cause for Cars for a Cause." 

The celebration begins with a free community breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. in Jack’s Market parking lot. Hosted by the La Jara Rotary Club and sponsored by Jack's Market, the breakfast is open to everyone, with donations benefiting the Rotary Club. 

Zaragoza thanked Jack's Market for once again donating its parking lot along with breakfast staples, including pancake mix, butter and juice, to help continue the annual tradition. 

The annual Glory Days Parade steps off at 10 a.m., with participants lining up at 9 a.m. Afterward, vendor booths and the popular community hamburger stand will open near Town Hall at 11 a.m. 

Visitors can browse booths featuring handmade crafts, clothing, authentic turquoise jewelry and other specialty items while enjoying a variety of food vendors offering everything from pizza and baked goods to snow cones. 

Zaragoza said one longtime favorite of Glory Days continues to draw a crowd every year too. 

"It's the best thing ever," he said with a laugh, referring to the community hamburger stand. 

According to Zaragoza, the afternoon offers something for every age. The Cars for a Cause – Art Lopez Car Show will be held from noon to 3:30 p.m. along Main Street, while children can enjoy the Bounce House Palooza, games and activities from noon to 3 p.m., a paintball tournament coordinated by Julian Espinoza, and the grand opening of the new Higher Ground BMX Course. The Beer Garden also opens at noon. 

Live entertainment will keep the celebration going throughout the day. The Arellano Brothers will perform from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Rockin' Rob, who will serve as DJ from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lowdead will close out the festivities with a performance from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., while parade and car show awards will be presented at 4 p.m. 

For Zaragoza, however, Glory Days has never been about the schedule. 

Instead, he said it is about honoring veterans, supporting local families, preserving hometown traditions and celebrating the people who make La Jara special. 

Whether visitors come for breakfast, the parade, classic cars, live music or one of the town's famous hamburgers, Zaragoza hopes they leave with a renewed appreciation for the community that has kept Glory Days alive for generations. 

"This community comes together," Zaragoza said. "That's what Glory Days is all about."