Redmond’s annual summer celebration, Derby Days returns July 12 and 13. The city is celebrating 79 years of Derby Days this year with the theme Game On!

Derby Days features the world’s longest-running bike criterium race, a carnival, parades, arts, music and food vendors, with a Redmond twist.

“Derby Days is important to the Redmond community because it represents our community history while embracing the present,” parks and recreation director Rachel Van Winkle said. “For 79 years, Redmond residents have come together to not just enjoy the festival but participate in activities with neighbors.”

Mayor John Marchione — who will be this year’s grand marshal of the parade — said Derby Days is a long-standing Redmond tradition that he’s shared with his family since he was a young boy.

“This festival connects us as friends, neighbors and visitors while celebrating our diverse and thriving community,” he said. “I hope to see everyone come out [this weekend] to join in the Derby Days tradition.”

Derby Days is a long-standing tradition throughout generations and the Reporter wants to see your throwback Derby Days pictures and your recreation of them. Send both photos to Stephanie Quiroz at squiroz@soundpublishing.com with “Then and Now” as the subject line.

For a list of Derby Day activities and events, see www.facebook.com/RedmondParks.