The schedule of the 143rd annual Saints’ Roost Celebration is largely unknown at this time as the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a cloud of uncertainty on July Fourth and other summer activities.
The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association two weeks ago opened its sign-up period for the junior rodeo and ranch rodeo for the celebration, which is supposed to take place July 2, 3, and 4 this year. At the May 5 meeting of the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation, COEA officials said their events filled up in one night and that they have a waiting list of other teams wanting to participate.
Last Thursday, the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce board voted to proceed with plans for the annual Herring Bank Parade on July 4 with a theme of “Texas Strong: United We Stand.”
Both the Chamber and COEA officials say they understand things could change between now and July, which could cause the cancelation of these events, and it’s not clear what social distancing requirements may be in place by that time. Rodeo and parade awards will be ordered with no date inscribed on them in case they have to be held over for next year.
County Agent Leonard Haynes said Tuesday that no decision has been made on the annual Craft Fair scheduled for July 4 on the courthouse lawn. Haynes said he wants to wait another week or until Gov. Greg Abbott releases more information about changes to the pandemic response and social distancing requirements.
State officials are working to reopen the Texas economy, but many events planned for the coming months have already been canceled. Last week, the Clarendon Little League canceled its 2020 season and the Junior Rodeo Cowboys Association announced that it had also canceled its 2020 events, which would have included the JRCA annual rodeo in Clarendon in June.
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