a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Pioneer Day...

The first Saturday in May for sixty years, people have visited the town of Melbourne, Arkansas to celebrate.

It begins on Friday night with a rodeo at the local fair grounds and the night continues with a free street dance.
Saturday has two parades, first the Kiddie Parade and then the Main Parade later.  The day is sprinkled with events and the town is crowded with vendors.  Saturday night brings another rodeo and street dance.

When I was a child, this was something I never missed.  I would search for weeks to find the fastest terrapin to join in the terrapin races.  I also used to compete in the Pioneer Dress Revue, as did my children.  It was an all day event filled with new friends, water guns and horses.

My favorite part of Pioneer Day was the horses.  I had friends that would let me ride at the rodeo and sometimes, even the parade. 

This year, it goes on without me.  I have no desire anymore to fight the crowds for a funnel cake or a Lions Club Burger on the square. 

Today began with storms and the Kiddie Parade was cancelled.  Hubby and Andrew went after the rains stopped...and I remain at home enjoying the solitude and quiet.

10 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

We have a similar celebration in the main street of our village every year in September. Used to be my favorite thing. Now I avoid it. Way too many people!

=)

Pat said...

Sometimes a little quiet time does a body good!

Anonymous said...

There's something so wonderful about small town gatherings. Ours no longer has the rodeo, and sometimes they have a parade. Lately, it's mostly the slo-pitch tournament and a street dance. I watch my son/nephews play ball, but then I'm happy to be home.

Teresa

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

There are day's that need no more celebration than enjoyin' the quietness around.

God bless and enjoy! Ahhhh

We too were blasted by storms and another inch of rain!

LindaG said...

What great memories. :)

And I agree, crowds are often not worth the bother to fight. Enjoy your quiet with your animals. :)

Irene said...

What's wrong with us that we don't enjoy the crowds and the noise anymore, but seek out peace and quiet so much? Is it old age? I'd hate to think so. I'd love to enjoy a parade one more time and a street party. Surely I'm not too old for that?

Greener Pastures--A City Girl Goes Country said...

You're the second blog buddy who is home enjoying the peace and quiet and that's what I'm doing as well!

carolina nana said...

HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL MOTHER'S DAY.
BLESSINGS

Lorraine said...

It is like reading about another world with rodeo's. We have nothing like that and I wish we had. So sorry the weather spoiled the day for everyone, but glad you had a good day though.

dmraz said...

Thank you for renewing yet another fabulous memory! The first time I met Sam Walden was at Pioneer Day in Melbourne Arkansas! That was 30years ago....wow, A wonderful weekend shared with my awesome friends the Williams Family! Love You All ~

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