Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor

Photo by Sarah Nigbor EL PASO – According to the Pierce County Historical Association, like its counterpart in Texas, El Paso’s name was chosen because of its location near a pass between two hills. In early documents, the name often appears as El Passo. Some say the name El Paso was chosen because of the road’s “L” shape. Another source said the area was named “Hard Scrabble” before the post office and township were founded in 1858. The post office there closed permanently on May 31, 1904.

Regardless of how it got its name, El Paso’s valley was a place neighbors and friends gathered Aug. 20-22 to celebrate each other, the area and Pierce County’s 100 years of 4-H, the El Paso Days 2021 theme. Area 4-H clubs were invited to participate in the grand parade on Sunday, Aug. 22, in honor of their contributions to the county.

Additional photos on page 19

El Paso honored area 4-H clubs during this year’s El Paso Days celebration. The Elm Valley Patriots head to their spot in the grand parade lineup on Sunday, Aug. 22.

The Soaring Eagles 4-H Club decorated their El Paso Days’ parade float with glitz and glam in honor of 100 years of Pierce County 4-H.

The Olivet Otters 4-H club was one of the Pierce County 4-H clubs celebrated during the El Paso Days’ grand parade on Sunday, Aug. 22. Their members were a festive bunch as they prepared their float for its trek through El Paso.

The Valley Eagles 4-H Club brought their project animals to walk with them in the El Paso Days parade on Sunday, Aug. 22, including kittens, rabbits, cows, llamas, and more. El Paso Days’ 2021 theme was 100 Years of Pierce County 4-H.

The Martell Rushers 4-H Club’s float featured kayakers paddling their way back up the Rush River from El Paso to Martell. El Paso Days honored 100 years of Pierce County 4-H, so area 4-H clubs were featured in the parade on Sunday, Aug. 22.

The Heartland Hustlers 4-H club honored 100 years of Pierce County 4-H by inviting their animal friends onto their El Paso Days parade float. Club members participate in the dog, rabbit, goat and poultry projects, to name a few.

The Ellsworth Funsters “clown” around as they wait for El Paso Days’ parade to begin on Sunday, Aug. 22. The organization works hard to bring joy to kids (and adults) with their support of family friendly events and activities.

Pierce County Sheriff Nancy Hove took part in the El Paso Days parade on Sunday, Aug. 22. Pierce County deputies were also on hand to visit with citizens and help direct traffic in “downtown” El Paso.