Dateline: June 9, 2005

Saints' Roost Celebration will be observed July 1-4

By Cheryl Johnson, Clarendon Enterprise

Activities are lining up for the 127th anniversary Saints’ Roost Celebration and Ranch Rodeo to be held July 1, 2, and 4 in Clarendon.

Activities begin Friday, July 1, with the Donley County Horse Club Stick Horse Rodeo at 9 a.m.across from the Post Office. Youngsters will ride stick horses in several events.  Registration begins June 24 at Saye’s.  Cost is $5 per child. 

Also on Friday, the annual Depression Lunch at the Downtown Ministries building will begin at 11 a.m. and will consist of beans, cornbread, dessert, and a drink. 

The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association will start the 10-team ranch rodeo at 7:30 p.m.  Friday. Team events for the night include Bronco Riding, Wild Cow Milking, Team Branding, and Team Doctoring/Sorting. Kids are invited to participate in the Open Junior Calf Ride (ages 0-8), the Steer Ride (age 9-12), and the Donkey Ride (age 0-12).  Entry fee is $20 for each event. The Open Calf Scramble, sponsored by Donley County State Bank, is open to age 0-12 and is free. 

The rodeo will also feature the Open Wild Mare Race.  There is a $90 entry fee with $150 added money. 

A $200 beef certificate will be drawn each night at the Rodeo.

You can dance the night away Friday to the sounds of the Brant Moore Band at the rodeo grounds from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

COEA will start the fun early Saturday morning with the RHAA Ranch Horse Competition at 8 a.m.

The Arts and Crafts Fair will begin at City Park at 9 a.m. Booths selling food and craft items will be open until 3 p.m. The Donley County Extension Office is renting booth space for the fair for $25.  For an entry form or information, contact the Donley County Extension Office at 874-2141.  All entries must be received by June 27.

A big change to this year’s celebration is the Bicycle Parade and Western Parade.  The two parades will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.  The bikes will go first, follwed directly by the Western Parade.  The Chamber of Commerce is accepting entry forms for both parades.  The deadline to enter is June 24.  Entry forms are available in this issue, at the Chamber office, or at Burton Memorial Library.

Line up for the Western Parade begins at 8:30 a.m. two blocks west of the City Park. Bicycle Parade participants can fill out the entry form in this issue or register 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning at the park. 

The Old Settlers Reunion will be held at the City Park Pavilion beginning at 11:00 a.m. along with the Shriner’s Barbecue.  Tickets for the barbecue are available from any Shriner or at Henson’s.  Tickets will also be sold Saturday.

The Turtle Race will be held Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. at the intersection by Henson’s.  Youngsters are encouraged to sign up now at Henson’s. 

The ranch rodeo begins its second night at 7:30 Saturday.  All events will be the same with ten new teams competing. You can dance with the Lonesome Goat band on Saturday night at 10 p.m.

Monday night COEA hosts an Open Ranch Bronc Ride.  Competitors will ride 30 head of stock that evening.  They will also have the Open Junior Calf Ride, Steer Ride, and Donkey Ride for the youngsters along with the Open Calf Scramble.

If your organization is planning an event during the celebration, call the Enterprise at 874-2259.