Enthusiastic crowd enjoys July Fourth celebration

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Donley County Courthouse last Saturday, July 4, to enjoy the activities of the 143rd annual Saints’ Roost Celebration.

Few masks were seen despite the governor’s order to wear one the day before, but people did largely respect social distancing.

Vendor booths were spread out all over the courthouse lawn to avoid crowding, and barbecue was served “to go” style as organizers did their best to celebrate safely in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hand-washing and sanitizing stations were also set up around the square thanks to County Agent Leonard Haynes.

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, Shaylee, Daegan, and Dawson Hall were first; Delaney Chambless was second, and Luke Leeper was third. Leah Victory won the 5-8 age group with Lydia Balogh second and Matthew Newhouse third. The 9 and up age group was won by Haylin Bivens, Meredith Artho second and Nevaeh Jaramillo third.

The Herring Bank Parade was somewhat smaller than last year’s but with just as much or more enthusiasm as most participants followed the parade theme: Texas Strong – United We Stand. The Grand Prize was won by Cody Graham and the Bromley Ranch float. The Clarendon Junior High Cheerleaders with their theme specific cheer and routine were the named the Best Float. Dan Sawyer’s John Deere tractor driven by congressional candidate Ronny Jackson was the Best Farm Equipment, the Rolling Hills Riding Club was the Best Animal Entry, Wallace Monument Co. was the Best Other entry, and Steve Carthel won the Best Car/Truck trophy.

There was no organized Old Settlers Reunion this year.

The Al Morrah Shrine Club served as many as 450 plates of barbecue this year. That’s down from 660 plates last year, but it was still considered a great success given the current situation. 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.

A celebrity dunking booth was set up by the Bronco Cheerleaders. Eager kids and donors lined up to cool off Clarendon Junior High Principal Travis Victory, Clarendon High School Principal Larry Jeffers, Donley County Social Hour hosts Landon Lambert and Roger Estlack, fireman and Clarendon ISD board member Chuck Robertson, “Two for the Road” stars Dusty and Nikki Green, and Donley County Judge John Howard.

Henson’s annual Turtle Race was also held Saturday afternoon. There were altogether 98 youngsters with turtles registered to run, which doesn’t include the adults who raced terrapins as well. The winners were Liam Wright for the 0-4 division, Laityn Hanks for the 5-8 division, Madison Moore for the 9-14 division, and Ty Hanks for the adult division.