Dateline: June 12, 2008

Clarendon makes plans for July 4th activities

The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce will be meeting this Thursday to finalize plans for the 131st annual Saints’ Roost Celebration, which is now just three weeks away.

Most of the event calendar is pretty well in place for the celebration on July 2-5, said Chamber Executive Director Judy Burlin.

A ten-team junior rodeo will kick things off this year for kids 16 and under on Wednesday, July 2, at the COEA Arena. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Action begins ginning up downtown on Thursday, July 3, with the Merchants’ Western Days Street Sales all day and a Depression Lunch beginning at 11 a.m. That night the fun continues at the rodeo arena at 7:30 with a 20-head bronc ride.

Also on July 3, a blood drive will be held at Stanley Chevrolet, and participants will receive a free American flag T-shirt. Hot dogs and drinks will also be available.

The biggest day of the celebration will be Friday, July 4, with the Country Craft Fair and Senior Citizens Bake Sale beginning at 10 a.m. on the Courthouse Square. The Old Settlers Reunion starts at 10:30, and the Al Morrah Shrine Club’s Annual BBQ begins at 11 a.m. and continues until the food runs out.

The Kids’ Bicycle Parade begins at 1 p.m. followed by the annual Western Parade at 2 p.m. The Lions Club Cow Patty Bingo will follow the parade.

To sign up for the parades, contact the Chamber office at 874-2421. For booth space at the Country Craft Fair, contact the Donley County Extension Office.

The annual COEA Ranch Rodeo will open at 7:30 Friday night with 20 teams competing and an outdoor dance to follow. The rodeo follows the same schedule Saturday night.

During the day Saturday, downtown merchants will have their street sales going again; and concessions, wagon rides, and other games will be available downtown.

Henson’s famous annual Turtle Race will be held at 3 p.m. at Third and Kearney. Turtles can be registered for the race now.

Henson’s is also accepting entries for its second annual Turtle Art Contest now through Thursday, July 3.

More information will be printed as soon as it becomes available. Contact Judy Burlin at the Chamber office if your organization is having an event during the celebration.