When we think about what Downtown Littleton is known for, Western Welcome Week is somewhere near the top of the list. This 10-day celebration of the city’s heritage and community spirit is a decades-long tradition in our downtown. As we head towards the 96th Annual Western Welcome Week in August, we wanted to spotlight this special event.
Cindy Hathaway is Western Welcome Week’s Executive Director. She has been the Executive Director for 23 years now and was previously on Western Welcome Week’s Board for 8 years. Cindy has been involved in Western Welcome Week in some way or another for over 40 years, so she was an amazing resource. In an in-depth conversation with Cindy, we learned about Western Welcome Week’s history, transformation, and economic impact in our community.
How did Western Welcome Week begin?
The history of Western Welcome Week is rich and far too interesting to sum up in a few sentences here, but you should know that it began in 1928 when three key elements came together — a 40th Anniversary celebration of the Littleton Independent newspaper, discounted railroad fares during the month of August, and a call by the newspaper editor at the time, Houston Waring, for anyone who had ever lived in or visited Littleton to come home. It was a true homecoming.
In addition to its inaugural event, there are two important milestones to note: 1) 1982 — Western Welcome Week is incorporated and becomes Western Welcome Week, Inc and 2) 2006 — Western Welcome Week is granted 501(c)3 status and becomes a nonprofit public charity. We encourage everyone to read the full and detailed history of Western Welcome Week here.
How has it transformed over the years?
Western Welcome Week began as a 5-day celebration, later extending to a full week, and then eventually the 10-day celebration that we know today. Once ran by the Littleton Chamber of Commerce, Western Welcome Week was turned over to a Board of Volunteers once it became incorporated in 1982. Each Board Member was (and is still) responsible for chairing one of WWW’s events and/or committees. Even today, the Executive Director is the only paid position. As a non-profit, volunteers are crucial to the success of this event. They continue to appreciate returning volunteers and have open arms for those who want to volunteer for the first time. See volunteer opportunities here.
Over the years, event organizers have tried to involve community organizations by inviting them to participate in the event in various ways — being concession vendors, volunteering, participating in the parade and more. It’s been a great way to bring the community together.
How has the event been able to last over the course of 95 years?
Sometimes the success of an event is as simple as tradition and community. People have grown up with this event being a family tradition for generations. It’s not uncommon for 4 generations of family members to be involved in the event, especially the parade component. There is a nostalgic factor that an event like this provides to many people who have memories of growing up in a small town. Along those lines, the event has always been very family-friendly with something for everyone including activities geared specifically towards kids like the Children’s Fishing Derby, Gold Panning on the South Platte River, and Games of Old, and activities tailored to adults and seniors including Swing Dancing, Taste of Western Welcome Week, and a Community Quilt Show.
What has the attendance been like in recent years?
The 10-day event typically draws around 45,000 attendees each year, with the parade being the most popular component. About 20,000 people attend the parade each year to see thousands of parade participants including 12 different marching bands that come from as far way as Pueblo to participate.
What future plans, if any, will add a new or different element to the event?
A new component for this year’s event is a Drone Show to accompany the Opening Night Concert. The 96th Annual Western Welcome Week celebration will kickoff a “Celebrate the Arts” theme with the Denver Municipal Band and then a NEW drone show by Brightflight Drone Shows, “Light Up Your Night!”. Drone shows are the use of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles, which fly in a coordinated fashion with light fixtures attached. They are safe, sustainable, and soundless.
For all things Western Welcome Week and the most up-to-date information about this year’s event, please visit westernwelcomeweek.org.
