Photo Gallery: Waitsburg Celebration Days

The 2026 Celebration Days Parade Marshals, Joy Smith and Lisa Naylor, were chosen for their roles in establishing and supporting the event. After Washington state ended paramutural betting, Celebration Days Weekend was created to hold the 3rd weekend in May for Waitsburg's biggest celebration.

Parade goers stand for the National Anthem.

Princess Kinsley, Queen Alexis, Princess Kayla, and Princess Keely ride in the parade, but that is just a small part of their work representing the city. The 2026 Waitsburg Celebration Days Court was busy participating in all the weekend events. This is not their first parade of the season, and won't be the last, Waitsburg is fortunate.

The Doctors Neace , Lewis and Gwen, drove their vintage Willys CJ jeep, Dr.Lewis Neace spoke of his 32 years of service in the United States Air Force as the guest speaker at Waitsburg's Memorial Day Ceremony in 2024.

Waitsburg 1st grader, Vera Ahler, braved the cold water to begin grabbing the winning ducks after hearing the duck whistle. This year's Luck of the Duck raised approximately $1,500 for youth mini-camps and sports sponsored by Rural Youth Enrichment Services (RYES). Deb Foreman, Sue Whirlow, and Janet Tate won cash prizes. Other lucky duck winners won certificates, gift baskets, and other items.

Members of the Touchet River Roundup paraded in pink to kick off the annual Memorial Day Weekend Campout coming this weekend at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds. The event is drug and alcohol-free, with live entertainment, a chili feed, and Woody's Pig Roast on Saturday.