Every October, Atascadero reflects on its roots and the spirit that built our community and this year, they’re doing it with a fresh twist. Colony Days will be celebrated as part of a larger community event, Atascadero Fall Fest on November 15, 2025, and the Atascadero Police Foundation is looking forward to participating once again.
Atascadero’s Beginning : A Community Built with a purpose
Back in 1913, Atascadero’s founder, E.G. Lewis, had a bold and inspiring vision. He imagined a thoughtfully designed community where people could live, grow, and support one another. Wide boulevards, a civic center for gathering, neighborhoods built with intention, all of it reflected his belief that a strong community starts with connection and care.
More than a century later, that original spirit of community planning is still alive in the Atascadero we know today. Downtown A-Town is experiencing a modern revival, unveiling thoughtful upgrades that make the area safer, more walkable, and more welcoming for residents and visitors alike. This year’s improvements include over 100 new free parking spaces, refreshed lighting and landscaping, upgraded crosswalks, and a street design for people to stroll, shop, and gather. It’s the kind of progress that reflects the same values Atascadero was built on; creating a community where people feel connected, supported, and proud to call this place home.
What Colony Days Represent
Colony Days has always been a celebration of our shared history, a reminder of the pioneers, families, and volunteers who built the foundation of this city. While the date and format look a little different this year, the meaning remains the same.
At Fall Fest you’ll see the same community pride, familiar faces, and hometown energy that Colony Days is known for. It’s a time to come together and appreciate the traditions and values passed down through generations:
- Neighbor helping neighbor
- Local businesses supporting local families
- Volunteers stepping up to make events happen
- Officers and first responders showing up for the community
- Kids experiencing the excitement of their hometown’s heritage
This blend of old and new is exactly what makes Atascadero so unique , we honor tradition while embracing growth. From the early days of the Colony to today, one thing has remained constant: Atascadero thrives when we take care of each other.
Public safety has always been at the heart of that effort. As the city grew, so did the need for trained officers, emergency response tools, and community outreach programs. July 1,1980, the first City of Atascadero Police Department officers hit El Camino Real to provide public safety support to our community. In 2024, the Atascadero Police Foundation was created to support and enhance those needs by funding:
- Programs that connect officers with local community
- Equipment and officer training that helps keep our city safe
- Youth development and education programs
- Advocacy in the community and recognition of our first responders
Every donation and volunteer hour helps strengthen the bond between officers and the community they serve, something deeply rooted in Atascadero’s beginnings.
Carrying the Colony Spirit Forward
As we celebrate Colony Days this year, we invite you to take part in the tradition in your own way. You can:
- Attend Fall Fest and visit our APF booth as you celebrate alongside friends and neighbors
- Volunteer with the Foundation or at community events
- Support our programs through a small donation
- Practice the same neighborly kindness that built A-Town
Together, we can continue the legacy that began over 100 years ago, a legacy of connection, collaboration, and community pride.
Happy Colony Days from the APF
We’re grateful for our history, proud of our people, and excited for the future we’re building together.
