Clarendon is expecting a crowd and it gets ready to welcome visitors to the 148th annual Saints Roost Celebration this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, July 3, 4, and 5.
Celebrating America’s Independence is a time-honored tradition dating back to the first Christian Colonists who settled Old Clarendon in 1878, and organizations across the county are making the final preparations for all the favorite activities again this year.
The complete line-up for this year’s celebration is as follows:
Thursday, July 3
The annual Depression Lunch benefiting the Downtown Ministry Center will be held at 11 a.m. on July 3, but due to sidewalk renovations and traffic congestion, the event this year will be held at the Lions Hall. The menu remains the same – 25 cents for beans and cornbread and sausage wraps for a slightly higher price.
The COEA Junior Rodeo will continue the first day of the celebration activities at 7:30 p.m. with a dance to follow the rodeo. Rodeo tickets all three nights are $10 for ages 12 and up, $6 for kids ages six to 11, and free for kids under six.
Friday, July 4
The Clarendon Visitor Center at the Mulkey Theatre will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for anyone wanting information about the festivities or Donley County in general.
The Clarendon Lions Club will hold a Bag Bingo at the Lions Hall July 4. Bingo starts at 11 a.m. and is $40 per person and includes a Mexican Pile-On luncheon. Those participating are also invited to bring their best homemade salsa for a friendly taste test competition. The bag bingo itself features several great prizes including designer purses, coolers, gift baskets, and more. Tickets can be purchased early at the Enterprise or by calling or texting 806-662-4689 or at the door.
The Clarendon Country Club July Fourth Golf Tournament will be a four-person scramble starting at noon on Friday. For details and to sign up, call the Pro Shop at 806-874-2166.
The first night of the COEA Ranch Rodeo will follow Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. with live music by Tanner Lane and dancing on the Slab afterward.
Saturday, July 5
The big day will begin July 5 with the Arts & Craft Fair on the square at 9 a.m. sponsored by the Donley County 4H. Booths must be reserved through the Donley County 4H by calling 806-874-2141.
The theme for this year’s parades is “Candy Land” because life is sweet in Donley County. Parade entries should reflect the classic board game or favorite candies. Entry forms are available at the Visitor Center and online at ClarendonTX.com/parade.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Liberty Electric Kids’ Bicycle & Tricycle Parade will begin at 9 a.m. The Kids’ Parade will line up and register at 8:30 at Third and Sully. Pre-registration by July 2 at 5:00 p.m. is required to win the kid parade prizes. Entry forms are available at the Visitor Center and are online.
Line up for the Herring Bank Parade begins at 9 a.m. at Prospect Park with the parade taking off at 10:00. The Herring Bank Parade features $850 in cash prizes with $250 available for the best float, $150 for the best car or truck entry, $150 for the best animal or riding unit, $150 for the best tractor or farm equipment entry, and $150 for the best “other” entry. Only entries registered by 5:00 p.m. on July 2 are eligible to win the prize money.
Following the parade, the Al Morrah Shine Club Barbecue will again be held on the square. Tickets are $20 per person and support the Shriners’ work to help crippled and burned children. Tickets will be available on the square or in advance at the Visitor Center and the Enterprise.
The Chamber of Commerce will not be sponsoring the Lawnmower Races or the Best of Donley County competitions this year, but they welcome other organizations to pick up those activities or sponsor new ones during the big day. For information or to get your event on the schedule, contact the Visitor Center.
The Coffee Memorial’s Bloodmobile will be on the Square for an All American blood drive July 5 as well from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are always needed and appreciated. Schedule your donation at obi.org.
The Henson’s Turtle Race will take place at 1:30 p.m., and the Ranch Rodeo will close out the celebration at the COEA Arena Saturday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. with live music on the Slab afterwards by Seth Ward & the Silence.
For more information and schedule updates, contact the Visitor Center at 806-874-2421 or visit ClarendonTX.com.
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