Newark Days

Overview

Newark Days is an annual celebration that takes place in Newark, California every September. It starts on a Friday, or Thursday, and ends on the following Sunday. A carnival takes place over the weekend, and there is a running event that takes place on the weekend called the "Newark Mile" on Newark Boulevard. In Newark's local newspaper, the Argus, there is a coloring contest for kids. The kids who win get prizes like a free day at the carnival and riding on a float in the parade that takes place on a Saturday, called the Saturday Parade.

History

The City of Newark has been celebrating its birthday, September 22, 1955 – annually since incorporation.

A parade was at the heart of it – and old-timers remember when the City's first Mayor, George Silliman's car broke down and he walked the parade route down Thornton Avenue.

Members of the Newark Chamber of Commerce – who later turned the festivities over to the Junior Chamber of Commerce, planned the early years of what is now called Newark Days.

In the 1960s – a group called "Newark Birthday Celebration" was formed…

The weekend events were held on the Newark Pavilion grounds, in the Newark High School auditorium and of course, the Thornton Avenue parade. The "Newark Birthday Celebration" dissolved at the end of the 60's and for several years – the only celebration commemorating the City's birthday was put on in Newark Community Park by the Newark Recreation Department – a...
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