Clarendon is ready this week to welcome visitors to the Panhandle’s oldest celebration of American Independence. The 146th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration begins Thursday, June 29, and runs through Saturday, July 1.
The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association gets the celebration started Thursday night with the Junior Ranch Rodeo, which opens at 7:30 p.m. Kids events open each night of the rodeo with a Calf Scramble for ages 0-12, and open Junior Donkey Riding, Calf and Mutton Bustin’, and Steer Riding. Following the kids’ events, ten junior ranch teams will compete for the best times and scores in Sorting, Doctoring, Trailer Loading, Calf Branding, and the Wild Steer Race.
On Friday, the celebration continues downtown at the Crossties Ministry Center with the Depression Luncheon at the from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. COEA opens the first night of its annual Ranch Rodeo Friday night at 7:30. After the kids’ events, ten ranch teams will compete in the Ranch Bronc Riding, Stray Gathering, Wild Cow Milking, and Team Branding. Live music by Seth Ward and dancing on the Slab will follow.
Saturday is the celebration’s biggest day with events on the square starting at 9 a.m. Ed Montana will return to provide live music and serve as master of ceremonies. The Arts & Craft Fair begins at 9 a.m.
The Liberty Electric Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade will begin at 9 a.m. with line-up at 8:30 at Third and Sully. Line up for the Herring Bank Parade will start at 9 a.m. at Prospect Park with the parade taking off at 10:00. The theme for this year’s parades is “Adventure Awaits.” Pre-registration was required to be considered for prizes in both parades, and the deadline passed June 28. Late comers can still join the parades but will not be eligible for prizes.
New from the Chamber of Commerce this year, Diversified Waste is sponsoring a Lawnmower Barrel Race at 11:30 a.m. near the grandstand. Sign-ups will be held at the Chamber booth. Entry is $10 and you must be 18 years or older. Prizes will be given for the best times to complete the race.
The Shriners barbecue will start at about 11 a.m. Meal tickets are $20 each and are available on the square or in advance at the Enterprise. The Lions Club’s Cow Patty Bingo will follow the barbecue, and parade winners will be announced about 1 p.m.
The Henson’s Turtle Race will take place at 1:30 p.m. After the turtle races, the Chamber of Commerce will announce the winners of its new “Best of Donley County” competitions with first, second, and third place ribbons being awarded for the best jellies, jams, baked goods, and quilts. Drop-off for the “Best Of” contest is at the Enterprise on Thursday, June 29, from noon to 5:30 p.m. with judging on Friday.
The COEA will close out the 2023 celebration with the second night of the Ranch Rodeo, starting with kids’ events at 7:30, followed by ten more ranch teams in competition. Luke Koepke & The Bad Habits will perform at the Slab for everyone to dance the night away.
For more information about the celebration, call 806-874-2421.
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