This weekend, Dolores commemorates its centennial, and all of Montezuma County should attend the festivities to celebrate the history we share.

Dolores is one of the younger communities in Montezuma County, so this is the last centennial we’ll observe for quite a while. One hundred years is a long time, and only the youngest among us will be around late in the twenty-first century when the local bicentennial celebrations begin. Let’s take advantage of this anniversary.

Such occasions allow us to both reminisce and gaze into the future. The history of Dolores is both educational and fascinating, and it mirrors what was happening throughout the West during those same years. Of special interest to historians will be a 100-year newspaper history, a photographic history, and walking tours by Dolores Star editor Shirley Dennison.

The weekend promises to have something for everyone. There’s be the traditional parade at 10 a.m., a craft show in the park, a traditional barbecue lunch, watermelon-eating contest and a checkers tournament. Softball, baseball, soccer and horseshoe tournaments have been scheduled. Transportation features will span the century, with a car show, pony rides, and trips on both horse-drawn conveyances and an ultralight aircraft.

The birthday cake will be cut at 3 p.m. at Joe Rowell Park Pavilion, and the day will end with fireworks over McPhee at about 9 p.m.