By Raenell Wynn Smith
Calgary Stampede, Photo from Wikipedia Commons
Just in case anyone was wondering about the "Old Settler's Rodeo", here's a highlight of the events that are still part of the celebration that took place last weekend. Lots of activities of interest throughout the town. Jim and I took our usual place on the courthouse lawn, set up our lawn chairs and waited for the parade to cross Hwy 287, stopping traffic, as the vintage cars, motorcycles, decorated bikes, business and civic organization floats, and of course the bells and whistles of the fire trucks and police leading the parade down Commerce and up Main street. The parade was one of the largest we've had over the past couple of years. As the riding clubs were finishing up the end of the parade, the King and Queen of Old Settlers, Mr. and Mrs. Parr were coming into view from the East side of the courthouse, making the parade a two street event.
The Heritage Museum hosted a display of the World Champion Tie-Down Roper, our own Stran T. Smith. Jim and I went and it was a very impressive account of his roping career thus far and his heritage in the Tell and Childress Community. Stran and his famly are an asset to Childress - not to mention he's our kinfolk.
Vendors were set up on Main Street and the area was blocked off so people could stroll around from one side of the street to the other. Local entertainment provided musical talent while you ate hamburgers, hotdogs, snow cones, ice cream and cheesecake on a stick (if you have not had this - it's a delicious treat). There were rootbeer floats and lemonade. Lots of merchandise to pique your interest from jewelry to quilts, yard art and western articles.
We even had a "High Noon Shootout". The Childress Drama Club presented the second annual shootout in front of the First Bank and Trust. Bank Robbers held hostage the banker and tried to escape with a bag of money. With the ladies screaming and pulling up their prairie dresses to run for safety, the robbers were foiled by the local Sheriff who made a stand to capture the crooks. Walking tall and proud down the street, he and his deputy came face to face with the varmints and the shootout took place. As the smoke cleared one bank robber was left in the street, shot through the heart and the other in handcuffs escorted slowly to the jail. Once again showing the town that Sheriff Pigg always gets his man, crime doesn't pay and the streets of Childress are once again safe. Saturday evening events hosted by the Childress Rodeo Association were Bar-BQ and competition rodeo with rodeo dance afterward.
We even had a "High Noon Shootout". The Childress Drama Club presented the second annual shootout in front of the First Bank and Trust. Bank Robbers held hostage the banker and tried to escape with a bag of money. With the ladies screaming and pulling up their prairie dresses to run for safety, the robbers were foiled by the local Sheriff who made a stand to capture the crooks. Walking tall and proud down the street, he and his deputy came face to face with the varmints and the shootout took place. As the smoke cleared one bank robber was left in the street, shot through the heart and the other in handcuffs escorted slowly to the jail. Once again showing the town that Sheriff Pigg always gets his man, crime doesn't pay and the streets of Childress are once again safe. Saturday evening events hosted by the Childress Rodeo Association were Bar-BQ and competition rodeo with rodeo dance afterward.
Jim and I were entertained and fed well, and generally spent the Saturday visiting and experiencing "The Old Settlers Day". Well partner, guess we could be considered "Old Settlers" seeing's how we've been a part of the Childress Community for 50 years.
Oh yes, just in case you were wondering - they still throw candy and little children still hustle to fill their pockets. Thank goodness some things never change.
From my heart to yours - Raenell
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