Large crowd gathers to celebrate Fourth of July

Beautiful, calm weather greeted a patriotic crowd gathered on the Courthouse Square last Saturday, July 1, for the 140th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration.

The Kids’ Parade started the day with the youngsters peddling or driving from Third Street down Sully Street in front of the Courthouse. In the 0-4 age group, Annislee McIntosh was first, Leah Victory was second, and Kelton Herndon third. MaKynna Williams won the 5-8 age group with Cooper Henderson second and Nevaeh & Zaylee third. The 9 and up age group was won by Kyndall Shields, Bryce Williams second and Billy Bond third.

The Herring Bank Parade delighted kids of all ages as floats, riding units, emergency vehicles, and other entries wound their way from the baseball fields through downtown. Greenbelt Electric took Grand Champion and best float, Floyd Baxter won best car or truck, Bromley Ranch won best tractor or farm equipment, and best “other” entry went to the Community Fellowship Church. Sierra Millison took first place in the Cornell’s Country Store “Show Us Your Boots” contest, and Michelle Hall was second place.

The annual Craft Fair drew a big crowd to the courthouse square with an impressive number of vendors; and the Chamber of Commerce recognized several pioneer citizens during the Old Settlers gathering. The Oldest Settler went to Johnny Leathers age 96.

The Al Morrah Shrine Club served 600 plates of barbecue, down from 749 last year. A portion of the proceeds from the annual barbecue are used in conjunction with the Khiva Shrine Temple in Amarillo to help pay for the transportation of kids to the Shriners’ burns and crippled children’s hospitals.

Several organizations held fundraisers during the celebration. The winners of the Courthouse Lighting Committee Penny Raffle were Debbie Chowins and Tim Herbert, $100.00 each and Paulette Kidd and Russell Latham, $50 each. The Clarendon Lions Club won the $2000 Community Fund raffle and Jody Berry & Chrisi Tucek won $500 each. The winners of the Lions Club Cow Patty Bingo were Brock Holland, $250, and Brenda Hill and Russell Latham, $50 each.

The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association hosted a Junior Ranch Rodeo on July 4 and an open Ranch Rodeo on June 30 and July 1. Results of those events will be listed in next week’s edition.

Henson’s annual Turtle Race had altogether 177 participants, which was down from terrapin handlers last year. Winners were Cashlyn Linquist for the 0-4 division, Brandon Moore for the 5-8 division, Colton Benson for the 9-14 division, and Gary Chavez for the adult division. Each child division winner received $25 and a $25 Henson’s Gift Certificate. The adult division brought in $260, which was divided in half between the winner and the Donley County Child Welfare board.