WASHINGTON CITY — The weather is warming in Washington City and bolls of pride are swelling as residents prepare to celebrate Cotton Days in memory of the city’s early struggles farming cotton in the desert.
The weeklong celebration, scheduled April 24-30, features activities throughout the town with historical presentations, family-friendly entertainment, a tractor competition, car show and food trucks to feed the masses at many events.
The festivities begin Monday, April 24, with the unveiling of a new statue for pioneer settler Malinda Allison Hunt Kelley Covington. The event starts at 5 p.m. with a special program at the Old School Museum, 25 E. Telegraph St., to kick off Cotton Days week.
Covington moved to Utah with her first husband, Milton Kelley. Born in Kentucky in 1815, she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1843. According to genealogy records, both Malinda and Milton were called to join the Mormon Battalion, the only religious unit recognized by the U.S. military in history.
She worked in the military as a laundress and on Feb. 7, 1847, gave birth to a girl named Malinda Catherine. Both were cared for by battalion women until returning to Utah the following July.
Kelley died on Nov. 4, 1847, while stationed in Pueblo, Colorado. Malinda would later marry a widower, Robert Dockery Covington, and adopt a Native American child while caring for her daughter and the living Covington children.
The Covingtons were among the first 28 families called to produce cotton in Washington County during the LDS General Conference held in Salt Lake City in April 1857.
Washington City Youth Council leader Carmen Snow told St. George News the youth city council worked diligently alongside adult city council members for recreation, arts and parks tax funds for the statue and raised $10,000 on their own.
The statue will be the first female to stand among several male sculptures in the park honoring the city’s founders. World-renowned bronze sculptor Jerry Anderson created the piece, and former Washington County historian Priscilla Cahoon “planted the seed” for the monument before her death at the age of 97 due to COVID-19 complications, Snow said.
“They wanted the Malinda Covington statue to represent all of the hardworking pioneer women,” she said. “Because they were the helpmates for the men — they really were.”
Snow noted that Lt. Gov. Diedre Henderson will attend the statue’s unveiling due to her passion for Utah women’s pioneer history.
A full list of Cotton Days events follows.:
Tuesday, April 25 – The grand opening of Sunrise Valley Park at 6 p.m. Located at 685 S. Countryway, city staff will plant a new tree and explore the new park with residents. Additionally, in honor of National Bike Month, residents are encouraged to take a bike and try the new skills park.
Thursday, April 27 – Get ready to show off those dance moves at a free, live concert featuring music from Bell View at Veterans Park, 75 E. Telegraph St., from 8-9 p.m.
Friday, April 28 – Join local historians and town residents for a Historical Society Social at Veterans Park. Wagon rides and presentations begin at 6 p.m. followed by a community Movie in the Park at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 29 – The official daylong celebration of Cotton Fest begins at 7 a.m. with a 5K run on the Virgin River Trail, 965 S. Washington Fields Road. At 9 a.m. the Cotton Days parade begins at the Veterans Park. The annual car show begins at Nisson Park, 251 W. Telegraph St., at 10 a.m.
A Heritage Show featuring local cotton spinners and weavers will be held at the Relief Society Hall, 75 W. Telegraph St., also at 10 a.m. The air will be filled with the rich smell of petroleum distillate at 11 a.m. as local and state enthusiasts vie for the title of strongest motor at the tractor pull event, located in the vacant lot on the corner of 100 West and 100 North.
Sunday, April 30 – Local historians and relatives of pioneer families will host a Historical Society Fireside sharing stories of pioneer-era women. “It’s going to be a Sunday devotional you won’t soon forget,” the Washington City website states.
Washington City Mayor Kress Staheli said this year’s Cotton Days celebration is a great way for new residents to learn about the city’s heritage while mingling with neighbors.
“Cotton Days is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared history and the strength, sacrifice and spirit of those who came before us, and those here today,” Staheli wrote in his monthly newsletter. “I encourage you to invite your family, friends and neighbors. … This is a time to embrace our community and appreciate all that it has to offer.”
For more event information, to become a vendor or to register for the 5K run, visit the Washington City website.
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