The historic town is celebrating its 121st birthday in style, with a party at Ordinary Fellow Winery featuring a history talk, old photos, a video, and birthday cake. A true milestone, the event is a testament to the town’s rich history and the dedication of its residents to preserving its heritage. To celebrate this momentous occasion, many local businesses are offering 1904 themed promotional deals until Friday. These include promotions like $19.04 meal specials or 19% off certain items, providing a unique opportunity for customers to experience the town’s history firsthand.

• Promo deals include special discounts and offers.
• Businesses are offering unique 1904 themed promotions.
• Customers can enjoy a taste of the town’s history.

The history of Palisade dates back to 1904, when the town was incorporated with a vote of 83 to 36.

Initially, Palisade was a coal mining town, with over a dozen coal mines operating above the town. Coal mining played a significant role in the town’s early development. However, the town also has a history of irrigation, which has enabled the growth of the agricultural industry, particularly in the production of peaches. The irrigation system, brought in the late 1800s and early 1900s, has been instrumental in Palisade’s success. “121 years is a long time, and a lot of things have happened,” said JoAnn Rasmussen, Chair of Palisade Historical Society. “Palisade is known as a tourist destination, but our locals are so important too.”

“A lot of people may not realize there are over a dozen coal mines above Palisade,” Rasmussen said. “The town also has a history of irrigation. And that’s one reason we can have Peaches here, is with the irrigation that they brought in in the late 1800s, early 1900s.”

Mayor Greg Mikolai emphasizes the importance of balancing growth with agricultural character. “When you see the orchards, when you see the vineyards, when you go in and you pick a Peach, or you have a glass of wine. That is the Grand Valley and that is Palisade,” Mayor Mikolai said. “Without Palisade, we just wouldn’t be the same as a community.”
As Palisade looks to the future, it is clear that the town will continue to prioritize its agricultural heritage, while also embracing growth and development. “I think the next 121 years are going to be about maintaining that balance of growth versus agricultural character,” Mayor Mikolai said. “It’s necessary to continue that agritourism economic path and yet understand that we cannot let that override the day-to-day needs of the citizens having this as their home.”
Palisade’s story is one of resilience and determination, and its 121st birthday is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our shared heritage. A true celebration, the town’s birthday party is a must-attend event for anyone interested in learning more about this unique and fascinating community.