MENDOCINO CO., 8/19/25 – There have been many thousands of great days in the gorgeous coastal village of Elk, but Saturday marks the 49th iteration of the town’s annual Great Day in Elk celebration.
The event kicks off with a noontime parade that winds through downtown Elk to the Greenwood Community Center, where the rest of the day’s festivities take place.
All afternoon there will be game booths with prizes and DIY crafts projects for children, plus a greased pole with a $100 bill at the top. Watermelon-eating contests, sack races, and an egg toss will be held throughout the day.
This year’s live entertainment features belly dancing and live music by 2nd Hand Grass. There will also be a silent auction, a cake auction and a raffle.
Lunch options include tamales and Caesar salad (with or without chicken), grilled hot dogs and focaccia with Moroccan lentil soup. The Greenwood Civic Club will offer ice cream sundaes topped with fresh berry sauce. Drinks include fresh-pressed Greenwood Ridge apple cider, Elk’s famous margaritas, soft drinks, beer and wine.
This year’s dinner, served from 4-7 p.m., is udon noodles with a choice of spicy chicken or tofu, prepared by Chris of Mendocino’s Gnar Bar.
The event benefits the Greenwood Community Center.
The 49th annual Great Day in Elk is Saturday, Aug. 23, from noon until dusk at the Greenwood Community Center, five miles south of Highway 128 on Highway 1. Please do not bring dogs.
For more information, email Mea Bloyd at meabloyd@gmail.com or visit www.elkweb.org.
