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By Rosalind Padilla
Early Pioneer Days always included a jail sponsored by various organizations. People were jailed for not wearing western or pioneer outfits. Even the schools sponsored western wear day with prizes for the best outfits.
We are reviving that event this year, only western wear is not the theme for the day. The event will take place in front of the County building from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30. Steve Yurek, who is new to the area, is the chairperson with James Ruiz of Copper Net Systems providing the phone and email for people to place calls until bail has been posted. The Family First Center in Winkelman will be the recipients of the money collected. Bail will range from $1 – $25. Don’t be afraid to participate as it is a revival of a past event and the money goes to a good cause. Check The Pastor’s Corner by Steve Yurek in this issue for more details
Tee shirts have been pre-ordered and carnival presales are now underway at Cosmic Coffee, Pretty Petals (formerly Balloons and Things), Hayden Town Hall and Winkelman Town Hall until Friday, March 23. After that date they will be available at the Chamber office. Look for the coupons for Thursday and Sunday all day rides, those bracelets have to be purchased at the Carnival booths and are good for those two days only.
The Queen and Jr. Queen contestants are still out selling tickets. A little birdie told me that sales are going great. The winning tickets will be announced after the Queens are crowned. Each contestant also receives a percentage of their sales. Queen ticket sales help fund activities in our communities.
Don’t forget to turn in your parade entries to the Kearny Town Hall with the information that you want the Master of Ceremonies to read about your float. The parade begins at 10 a.m. with a performance by the Arizona Legend Gunfighters performing on Alden Street beginning at 9 a.m. These men and women love the Old West and its history and because of this love they research the stories and costumes and travel to events such as Pioneer Days to bring the spectators a bit of the Wild West
Vote for your favorite Beard Growing contestant Thursday at the bandstand between 6:30-7 p.m. just before the Queens are announced. Audience choice is one category for prizes. Your loudest cheer decides the winner of that category.
Thanks to Ron Buckley we will have a limited number of strollers for rental per evening; an ID is required. Proceeds from the rental go to the Junior Chamber scholarship fund.
Shay and Doug Cardell will be at the Cul De Sac at the end of Vendor Row to entertain you from 5-9 p.m. with music for all ages Friday night.
Look for Split the Pot up town on Alden and at Pioneer Park. This is an easy way to make a dollar or two.
The Elks are revising their horseshoe pits to tournament regulation. Sign up on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge.
Rotary will have a cowboy steak fry at the GKI on Saturday evening. Their projects emphasize business and education.
KRDE 94.1 will be at Pioneer Park on Saturday and Sunday for a “Booth Event.” It is not a live broadcast but you will have a chance to talk to the announcer, be eligible for drawings, participate in games and get other give aways.
These pre recorded messages will be broadcast throughout the day.
Slo pitch teams of all ages are ready to play.
Team ropers are anxiously awaiting the signal.
Copper Thimbles members await your presence at their Quilt Show. Questions have been asked, “Is this the same Bea Merrill I used to know?” Bea lived in Kearny in the 60s and 70s and worked at the administration offices in Hayden for Kennecott. She was a very vivacious woman with a great sense of humor. She was a member of several painting classes in the area and is a Charter member of the Copper Thimbles. She moved from Kearny to San Manuel. As all quilters she had a stash of fabric, rulers, cutting tools, thread and many unfinished projects which all current members inherited. Her projects will be on display as the members of Copper Thimbles honor her memory Friday and Saturday at The Church of the Good Shepherd.
An ecumenical Palm processional will take place Sunday, April 1, at 10 a.m. observing Palm Sunday. Anyone wishing to participate in the procession is to meet at Fellowship Baptist Church, walking to Pioneer Park where Pastor Steve Yurek will preach at 11 a.m. this is an annual part of Pioneer Days with local minister alternating duties. Pastor Joe Palmer of Fellowship Baptist and Pastor Nina Yardley, The Church of the Good Shepherd, are assisting along with the teenage group “Walking 180.”
Look for the names of your favorite food and merchandise vendors as well of those entertaining, in next week’s issue.
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