HERALD, CA (MPG) - Locals and visitors will come together for a parade, food and drink, crafts and kids’ fun during the annual Herald Day celebration at Herald Community Park on Saturday.

They also will bring their best creations for the baking and canning contests, and their skills for the horseshoe throwing and cow-plop bingo competitions.

The weekend begins with a kickoff dinner Friday, July 31 at Champaign Ranch, 12174 Borden Road. Saturday festivities begin with a parade at 9 a.m. Activities include music, an auction, mechanical bull, petting zoo, photo contest and a magician.

Several booths will feature local artists and artisans, many selling their crafts or displaying their work for commissions. 

Since the first Herald Day took place in 1981, organizers have worked to preserve its traditions. One of them is the naming of Herald Day royalty. This year’s queen is Jayden Ogrodnick and king is Bryce Dongelmans. 

Preparation for Herald Day takes months and a league of volunteers. And the Herald Community Club orders plenty of Herald Day hats, T-shirts and beer cozies to commemorate this annual gathering of community spirit and tradition.

Herald Community Park is at Twin Cities and Ivie roads in Herald.