Published: August 10, 2009 04:46 pm      

Reunion to feature baby, queen, fiddle contests

Carnival starts Tuesday

The 117th annual Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion kicks off Monday night at the Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion Grounds in Alvarado.

“We’re sure looking for a good crowd this year,” said Wando H. Scarberry, the president of the Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion. “We have some good entertainment for the people to come listen to each night. My motto is always for people to come back and renew old acquaintances each year but also make new ones.”

The first activity is the parade at 6 p.m. Monday.

Categories include decorated float, decorated car, religious, patriotic, recreation or sports, school band, band, original tractor, classic tractor, antique tractor, boy and girl scout troop, attractive pet, riding club, decorated bicycle, mini motor, antique car, antique truck, twirler, livestock drawn vehicle and civic club or organization.

Trophies or cash prizes will be awarded in each category.

Parade entries must be registered at parade headquarters from 3-5:30 p.m. Monday.

No favors may be thrown from any participant or entry, and units involving horses are required to provide the health certification required by the state.

For information, call Jerry Upchurch at 972-366-8204.

After the parade, opening ceremonies will be held at the reunion grounds.

Scarberry will present the welcome, with an invocation by Billy G. Walker and the presentation of colors.

The queen contest begins at 8 p.m. Monday. Contestants are between 15 and 21 years old. A queen, first and second runners-up will be chosen, with each receiving cash and other prizes. The queen is also eligible for a $700 scholarship.

Rehearsal will be held at 4:30 p.m. today. Each contestant must also be in the parade.

For information, call Terri Bivins at 817-774-6529, Doylene Rayburn at 817-929-4086, or Dayna Peden at 817-371-2301.

Tuesday’s activities include the baby contest, which begins at 7 p.m. Entries must be made by 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Contestants will compete in two age groups: walking to 2½-years-old and 2½ years old to 4½ years old. They must be able to walk across the stage unassisted.

The winners in each group will receive a $50 savings bond and a trophy.

For information call Charlotte Rhynes at 817-790-8507.

The carnival also begins on Tuesday night. The Steve Helms Band will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Gospel groups will perform at 6 p.m. Thursday. For information call Marvin Stewart Jr. at 817-557-3902.

The fiddle contest will begin at 8 p.m. Friday night.

Five age groups will compete: 0-15, 16-25, 26-45, 46-65 and 66 and up. Each contestant must play two tunes, either a breakdown or a waltz.

The champion receives $100. Second and third place receive $75 and $50 respectively.

After the contest, the accompanist may play for a first- and second-place prize of $75 and $50.

For information, call Keith Woodlee at 817-538-2041.

The week’s activities wrap up Saturday night with the band Alias Smith and Jones performing at 7 p.m. For information, call Tim Godsey at 817-312-7276.

Alvarado Road Show from Nashville will perform after Alias Smith and Jones. For information, call Cleve Clark at 615-774-3379.