A cowboy shows his rope skills in the Middletown Days Parade on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Photo by Glen R. Erspamer Jr.

MIDDLETOWN – The half-century-old Middletown Days celebration was in full swing on Saturday, with a parade and plenty to do around town.

The event began Friday evening with steer roping. On Saturday there was the parade at 10 a.m., vendors, activities for kids and more, ending with a dance in the evening.

Middletown Days will wrap up on Sunday, when a gymkhana begins at 9 a.m. at Middletown's Central Park on Central Park Road.

The celebration recalls Middletown's beginnings; the town was established in 1870, midway between Lower Lake and Calistoga.

District 1 Supervisor Jim Comstock and his wife, Colleen, ride in the Middletown Days Parade on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Photo by Glen R. Erspamer Jr.

Recalling Middletown's 19th century beginnings, horses and riders made their way through town in the Middletown Days Parade on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Photo by Glen R. Erspamer Jr.

One of Lake County's Shriners rides through town as part of the Middletown Days Parade on Saturday, June 20, 2009. Photo by Glen R. Erspamer Jr.