Dateline: July 1, 2004

Celebration starts July 1

Make your plans now to attend the 126th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration and Ranch Rodeo to be held in Clarendon this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 1, 2, and 3.

Kicking off the celebration will be the Star Spangled Small Town Celebration held at participating merchants in Clarendon.  Businesses will have sales, give away prizes, and hold special events each day of the celebration.

An Open Ranch Bronc Ride will be held on Thursday night at the Rodeo Grounds.  The Ranch Rodeo will be held Friday and Saturday nights with ten teams competing each night.  Events include Bronco Riding, Wild Cow Milking, Team Branding, and Team Doctoring/Team Sortin’. The rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.

There will also be a RHAA Ranch Horse Competition at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The Outdoor Entertainment Association will also hold an open Junior Calf Ride for ages 0-8 and a Steer Ride for the older kids each night of the rodeo.  The entry fee is $20.

COEA will also have the Donkey Ride and Open Calf Scramble. These events are sponsored by Donley County State Bank, Walco, and West Texas Western Store.

Several giveaways will be announced during the rodeo including a $200 beef certificate drawn each night. The National Finals Rodeo Trip and the Utility Trailer Giveaway will announce their winners on Saturday night.

The Rodeo Dance will be held throughout the celebration with Gary Alan Bruce performing on Thursday and Friday nights.  The band for Saturday night is Sante Fe.

On Friday, the Donley County Horse Club will hold its annual Stick Horse Rodeo for the kiddoes at the parking lot by the Post Office beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The Depression Lunch will also be held on Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m.  A meal of beans, cornbread, and dessert will be served in front of the Downtown Ministry building.  Later that day, that will also be the site for the Battle of the Praise Bands, which will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The celebration swings into full motion on Saturday with the annual Arts and Crafts Fair at City Park.  The event is being organized by the Donley County 4-H. The fair will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Bicycle Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. at 601 A. Kearney, which is across the street from the City Park. 

The annual old Settlers Reunion and Shriners Barbecue will be held at the City Park beginning at 11:00 a.m. under the pavilion. 

The Western Parade will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Kids, get your turtles ready for the annual Turtle Race to be held at 4:00 p.m. at Henson’s.

Be sure to bring the whole family out to enjoy the festivities.