Ione Homecoming
May 10 @ 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Ione’s 149th Annual Homecoming returns to Howard Park on Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10, continuing a tradition that has brought friends, families, and alumni together since 1876. Presented by the Ione Picnic Association, the weekend showcases local talent, hometown pageantry, and more small‑town fun than one day can hold.
Friday night warms up with the carnival midway, the Horseshoe Pits, and live music that starts with Green Broke at 6 PM and into FreezeOut at 9:30 PM. Saturday launches early with a pancake breakfast at Tim’s Pizza from 7:30 to 10:30 AM; the Bedbug Challenge 5 K Color Run at 8 AM; and the Homecoming Parade marches down Main Street at 9 AM. At Howard Park, the action kicks off with the Andy Bonham Memorial Team Roping in the Ed Hughes Memorial Arena at 11 AM; Salsa and Chili Cook‑Off at 12:30 PM; the Frog Jump and Route 88’s beer‑garden set at 1 PM; a candy drop and Rib Cook‑Off at 3:30 PM; lawn‑mower races at 4 PM; The Last Call Band on the Picnic Hill stage at 5 PM; the Ione High School Alumni Dinner at 5:30 PM; Triple Threat onstage at 8 PM; and the Homecoming Rodeo under arena lights that same evening. Between events, visitors can browse vendors, cheer soap‑box derby runs, test their aim in the cornhole tournament, or keep youngsters busy at the Kids’ Corner and petting zoo.
The 2025 celebration runs Friday evening from 6:00 PM until the carnival lights fade and Saturday from 7:30 AM breakfast to the last encore around 10:00 PM. Ione Homecoming takes place at Charles Howard Park at 600 S. Church Street, Ione, CA 95640; carnival pre‑sale wristbands are $40 cash only (text Kristin at 209‑327‑6602), and rodeo entries go through Christine Gold at 209‑256‑4111. For schedules, parade details, and updates, visit the Parade Association’s Facebook page at facebook.com/IoneHomecoming2021 or sign up for the newsletter at ione‑picnic‑association.mailchimpsites.com.
