Leisure

Picnics, parades, fairs, and festivals gave immigrants an opportunity to socialize as well as showcase their cultures, passions and inventions. Family celebrations were widespread in the first decades of immigration inviting Valley residents to mingle socially. These gatherings grew more organized as the population increased. Annual parades and festivals showcased music, dancing, foods, and local business networks. Venues such as the Opera House, halls and saloons provided entertainment, plays, and gambling. Local bands and cycling clubs were also popular leisure outlets.

NCHS Photograph Collection

Carbone Family 

Date: ca. 1900

Italian

Napa Parade 

Date: ca. 1887

NCHS Photograph Collection
Napa Reporter

Opera House

Date: January 1, 1902

Asylum Patients Off to 4th of July Parade

Date: ca. 1890

Calistoga Parade

Date: ca. 1925

Sharp Shooter Show

Date: August 24, 1888

Napa County Reporter
NCHS Photograph Collection

Children Playing in Creek

Date: ca. 1900

4th of July Parade Float

Date: July 4, 1898

Napa County Reporter

Fireworks Advert

Date: June 7, 1862

Wyckoff Family Camping

Date: ca. July 1895

German & Jewish

NCHS Photograph Collection
NCHS Photograph Collection

Hazel DeLucca, Queen of Napa Carnival 

Date: July 4, 1910

Italian

Chirstmas Dinner at Napa Hotel

Date: December 20, 1862

Napa County Reporter
NCHS Photograph Collection

Napa Exhibition at State Fair

Date: ca. 1890

Play at St. Helena Town Hall

Date: ca. 1890

NCHS Photograph Collection
Napa Register

Harmony Circle Grand Ball 

Date: September 18, 1902

German Festival

Unknown Date

St. Helena Historical Society
Napa County Reporter

Grand Soiree

Date: November 8, 1862