Redmond celebrates ‘Hometown Heroes’ at 2018 Derby Days

The annual summer festival displays the unique and diverse community.

Redmond celebrated its “Hometown Heroes” at this year’s Derby Days, including volunteers, veterans, teachers, police, fire, nurses and more, but superheroes like Wonder Woman and Captain America also made an appearance.

The 78th annual Derby Days took place on July 13-14. On Saturday, the Redmond Old Fire House Teen Center conducted a community engagement project called “#HeroesOfRedmond.” They roved the event asking visitors, staff, volunteers, vendors and law enforcement what it means to be a hero.

Derby Days is a summer festival — rooted in the spirit of competition — that celebrates the uniqueness of Redmond through parades, races, contests, game booths, carnival rides, arts, music, food and more. It started in 1940 as a bike derby and parade for the community to raise money for holiday decorations and athletic equipment.

See redmondderbydays.com for more.

A band plays in the Derby Days grand parade. Photo courtesy of the city of Redmond

A band plays in the Derby Days grand parade. Photo courtesy of the city of Redmond

A young resident poses for a photo with Wonder Woman. Katie Metzger/staff photo

A young resident poses for a photo with Wonder Woman. Katie Metzger/staff photo

Redmond High School football players march in the Derby Days parade. Photo courtesy of Peg Jatekar

Redmond High School football players march in the Derby Days parade. Photo courtesy of Peg Jatekar

A family enjoys the activities at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

A family enjoys the activities at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

Veterans march in the Derby Days parade. Photo courtesy of the city of Redmond

Veterans march in the Derby Days parade. Photo courtesy of the city of Redmond

Kids enjoy the merry-go-round at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

Kids enjoy the merry-go-round at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

Face painting is one of the many activities for kids at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

Face painting is one of the many activities for kids at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

A family poses for a photo booth picture at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

A family poses for a photo booth picture at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

A young resident plays a cornhole game at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo

A young resident plays a cornhole game at Derby Days in Redmond. Katie Metzger/staff photo