Winters Youth Day is set to make its return on Saturday, April 26, for its 86th year — giving the young folks in town a chance to learn the ins and outs of local government in a unique, hands-on approach.

The annual event was started in 1933 by Reverend Charles P. Barkman and Dr. A.M. Herron (high school principal) to teach young people about the aspects of city government, according to the event’s history page on its website. Though it was canceled due to World War II and COVID-19, the Youth Day tradition has always returned strong and proud.

Each year the young people of Winters take over the elected offices of the city. After a week of hands-on experience with their city counterparts, everyone is honored with the annual Youth Day Parade and a day full of fun.

This year’s celebration will also be held in honor of Mike Sebastian, also known in town as “Mr. Winters,” who passed away unexpectedly a week before Christmas. Sebastian made it his goal to keep Winters Youth Day alive — he was the Parade Chairman and Announcer for over 45 years.

He started his life in community service as an announcer and scorekeeper for Winters Little League, then became the long-time announcer for the Winters Swim Team. Sebastian also received the EMT/Fireman of the Year, was elected as the city’s Treasurer, served as Executive Director of the Winters Chamber of Commerce, was a past President of Winters Rotary, would play Taps for Winters veterans’ funerals and was honored with the Winters Citizen of the Year Award, according to his obituary in the Winters Express.

The children of Winters were in the heart of Sebastian’s work, and this year’s World Youth Day is set to honor that legacy.

“This year marked Mike’s 46th year of remarkable commitment [to Winters Youth Day],” a statement from the Winters Youth Day Board reads. “Mike was also an advocate, not only for our festival but for the student engagement portion of Youth Day and working tirelessly to improve Youth Day’s mission … the void of his absence will make navigating this year particularly challenging.”

This year’s parade is set to start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, along Main Street in downtown Winters. More information about the parade can be found at https://www.wintersyouthday.com/main-parade.html.