Dateline: June 22, 2006

Celebration plans being set for next weekend

By Cheryl Johnson, Clarendon Enterprise

The 129th annual Saints’ Roost Celebration and Ranch Rodeo kicks off next weekend in Clarendon.

Activities get rolling on Friday, June 30, at Stanley Auto Ranch with the Chevrolet Blood Drive.  The drive will begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up at 2:00 p.m.

Friday is also the first night for the Saints’ Roost Celebration Ranch Rodeo. The Clarendon Outdoor Entertainment Association presents the 10-team ranch rodeo at 7:30 p.m. Team events include Bronco Riding, Wild Cow Milking, Team Branding, and Team Doctoring/Sorting. The youngsters are also 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 of charge. 

The rodeo will also feature the Open Wild Mare Race.  Six horses will be furnished each night.  There is a $90 entry fee with $150 added money.  All rough stock will be provided by Bill Hext of Canadian.

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

You can dance the night away Friday to the sounds of the Brant Moore Band.  The dance will be held at the rodeo grounds from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The COEA will start the fun early Saturday morning with the Cutting Horse Competition at 8:00 a.m. at the arena.

The Downtown Depression Lunch will be held on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Downtown Ministries building. The Kids’ Tricycle/Bicycle Parade will be held downtown beginning at noon.  Registration forms are available inside this issue of the paper.

The Turtle Race will be held Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the intersection by Henson’s.  Youngsters are encouraged to sign up now at Henson’s for their numbers. 

Saturday’s events wrap up with the second night of the Ranch Rodeo at the arena.  Dance to the tons of Lonesome Goat Saturday night at the open air dance.

The Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 100 years of service with their Centennial Open House at the Fire Hall beginning at 2:00 p.m.  The public is invited to celebrate this milestone with the fire department.

Monday begins will the Downtown Merchants holding sales in their stores.  Residents and visitors can enjoy savings while shopping in the downtown area.

New to this year’s rodeo line up is the Junior Ranch Rodeo at the COEA arena.  Youngsters will be competing in several events. The rodeo will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s activities begin with tours of the Donley County Courthouse, sponsored by the CHS Jr. Historians.  These students will give tours of the 1890 courthouse from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The Craft Fair will open at 10:00 a.m. at the Courthouse Square.  For booth information, please contact the Donley County Extension.  The Old Settler’s Reunion will also be held at the square beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The annual Shriner’s Barbecue will be held on Tuesday also at the Square beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Tickets are available at Henson’s or from any Shriner.  Tickets will also be sold at the barbecue.  The meal will be served until all gone.

The Western Parade will be held at 2:00 p.m. in Downtown Clarendon.  Entry forms are available in this issue of the paper or at the Chamber of Commerce office. Line up for the parade begins at noon at City Park. 

Activities wind down on Tuesday night with the Open Ranch Bronc Ride at the Rodeo Grounds.  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.