Plans set for city’s 122nd annual celebration

By Cheryl Johnson

Plans are shaping up for Clarendon’s 122nd annual Saints’ Roost Celebration, and there are plenty of activities for young and old to enjoy during the five-day celebration.

Because Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year, activities will be held across five days.

The celebration begins on Friday, June 30, with the Coffee Memorial Blood Center’s Summer Blood Drive Promotion at Chamberlain Motor Company.  The drive will begin at 10:00 a.m. and continue until 3:00 p.m.  Hot dogs, soft drinks, and T-shirts will be given to all those who donate blood.  This year’s sponsors of the drive are Chamberlain Motor Company, The Donley County State Bank, Herring National Bank, and Clarendon Insurance Agency.

The annual Saints’ Roost Celebration Rodeo kicks off on Friday at 7:30 p.m.  This year’s rodeo is sanctioned by both the TCRA and KPRA.  A drawing for a $200 beef certificate will be held during the rodeo.  The rodeo dance will begin at 10:00 p.m. with Harvey Kinikin at the Rodeo Grounds.

The celebration gets in full swing on Saturday, July 1, beginning with the VFW breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall.  The annual Craft Fair on the Square begins at 10:00 a.m. and runs throughout the day.  The Old Settlers will meet for a reunion at 10:30 a.m.  The Shriner’s will begin their barbecue at 11:00 a.m. and serve until the food is all gone.  Tickets for the barbecue may be purchased from any Shriner and all profits benefit the Shrine’s crippled children’s hospital.  The line up for the Western Parade is 12:30 p.m. at the City Park and the parade will begin at 2:00.  The Lions Club will hold their Cow Patty Bingo at 3:00 p.m.  The day concludes with the rodeo at 7:30 p.m. and the dance at 10:00 p.m.

On Sunday, July 2, a Cowboy Church will be held at 7:00 a.m. at the Rodeo Grounds.  The rodeo slack roping will be held at 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.  The Saints’ Roost Museum will hold their annual free Sloppy Joe supper at 5:00 p.m. at the museum.  The Museum will hold an Open House to honor the late James Owens and will present a plaque to his family at that time.

An evening of bingo will be held at the Lions Club from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Proceeds will benefit the Saints’ Roost Museum. The rodeo will hold their last day of events on Monday, July 3 beginning at 7:30 p.m.  A free street dance with KEFH-FM will begin at 8:00 p.m. by the courthouse and will continue until 1:00 a.m.

The celebration winds down on Tuesday, July 4 with the Bicycle Parade at 10:00 a.m. down Kearney Street.  Line up for the parade begins at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot north of the Post Office.  The Depression Lunch of beans and cornbread will begin at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Main Street Ministries building.  The First Baptist Church will also sell drinks and desserts to compliment the beans.  The VFW and the local Boy Scouts will present a patriotic ceremony at the War Memorial at 2:00 p.m.  The celebration concludes with the annual Turtle Race at Henson’s at 3:00 p.m.  Sign up your turtle at the store from now until the Fourth.

 Clarendon is the place to be for good family fun and entertainment, and this celebration is one you won’t want to miss.