Dayton Valley Days provides for young and old

The 24th annual Dayton Valley Days celebration is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday in Old Town Dayton. The two-day festival starts with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Saturday morning. Pike Street will be filled with craft and vendor booths along with informational displays. There also will be a hometown parade Saturday featuring grand marshals John and Donna Alexander. The Alexanders were selected because of their decades of community involvement and dedication to youths. Dayton's nationally acclaimed noodle slurp and watermelon seed-spitting contests also are on the agenda. The International Chili Society-sanctioned Red Chili Cook-Off competition will take place both days. There will be plenty of live entertainment including Joseph E Greco & The Tributes performing both Saturday and Sunday. There also will be a Gold Creek Show n’ Shine with categories including customs, classics, tuners, muscle cars, rods, antiques, sports cars, under construction and a special category for youth.A Civil War re-enactment will be staged throughout the weekend, complete with battles and encampment demonstrations. Throughout the weekend there will be a silent auction, raffle and food. And, on Sunday the annual Pet Parade highlights a wide variety of critters and their human chaperones.The event supports the local Boys and Girls Club.