Clarendon is getting ready to host a glorious Independence Day as organizers of the 143rd annual Saints’ Roost Celebration are moving forward with the event.
Social distancing and other guidelines may make some of the celebration look somewhat different, but almost all of the traditional activities are on schedule for July 2, 3, and 4, and the Whistle-Stop Trade Days intends to be open July 4 and 5.
The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce meeting last Thursday was attended by representatives of the Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association (COEA) and the Donley County Extension Service, where the consensus was to move forward as normal as possible. On Monday, the County Agent Leonard Haynes also met with representatives of the Al Morrah Shrine Club about plans for the barbecue.
Haynes then met Tuesday with County Judge John Howard, MD, and reviewed plans for the celebration. Haynes said the judge was satisfied with plans by the parties involved to follow as best as possible the safety guidelines for outdoor events that that have been set out by the state government in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some of those plans call for hand sanitizing stations to be placed at different points on the courthouse lawn and for craft fair vendors to be spaced out to allow for social distancing. Barbecue meals will be plated or boxed instead of having attendees go through a buffet line, and face masks are encouraged but not required.
COEA is moving forward with rodeo plans although a final decision will not be made until June 15. The organization already booked its rodeo teams last month and is largely ready to go. Dances will not be held following the rodeos this year.
The COEA Junior Rodeo tentatively will kick off the celebration Thursday, July 2, at 7:30 p.m. followed by the first night of the Ranch Rodeo on Friday, July 3, at the same time.
The big day will be Saturday, July 4, beginning with the Arts & Craft Fair on the square at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Donley County 4H. Booths must be reserved through the Donley County 4H by calling 806-874-2141.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Old Settlers Reunion and the Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade also begin at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Parade will line up and register at 8:30 at Keith Floyd’s shop at Third and Sully. Ed Montana will provide music and serve as master of ceremonies on the square.
Line up for the Herring Bank Parade will also start at 9 a.m. with the parade taking off at 10:00. The theme for this year’s parade is “Texas Strong – United We Stand,” and entry forms are available in this week’s Enterprise as well as at the Visitor Center. Entry forms are also available at ClarendonTX.com.
The Herring Bank Parade features $850 in cash prizes with $200 available for the best float, $100 for the best car or truck entry, $100 for the best animal or riding unit, $100 for the best tractor or farm equipment entry, and $100 for the best “other” entry. From those first place winners, judges will select a Grand Prize winner who will receive an additional $250.
Pre-registration is required for entrants to be judged for the prize money, and entry forms are due in the Visitor Center by 5 p.m. on July 1.
The Al Morrah Shrine Club barbecue will follow the parade at about 11 a.m. Tickets are $12 each and will be available at the Visitor Center and the Enterprise.
Parade winners will be announced at 1 p.m. The Henson’s Turtle Race will then take place at 1:30 p.m. And the Ranch Rodeo will close out the day at the COEA Arena beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Also happening during the celebration weekend, the Whistle-Stop will have its monthly trade days Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Whistle-Stop features more than 100 vendors as well as live music, food, and fun for the entire family.
Other events will be added to the schedule as they are decided or announced. For more information about the celebration, contact the Visitor Center at 806-874-2421. A current schedule summary is as follows:
Thursday, July 2
7:30 p.m. – Junior Ranch Rodeo, COEA Arena (tentative)
Friday, July 3
All Day – Merchants’ Sales
7:30 p.m. – Ranch Rodeo, COEA Arena (tentative)
Saturday, July 4
9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Whistle-Stop Trade Days
9:00 a.m. – Craft Fair, Courthouse Square
9:00 a.m. – Kids’ Tricycle/Bicycle Parade
10:00 a.m. – Herring Bank Parade
11:00 a.m. – Shriners’ Barbecue, Courthouse Square
1:30 p.m. – Henson’s Turtle Races
7:30 p.m. – Ranch Rodeo, COEA Arena (tentative)
Sunday, July 5
9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Whistle-Stop Trade Days
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.