Events planned for county centennial

Curry County’s 100th birthday will be celebrated in at least 10 events in the coming year courtesy of the Curry County Centennial Committee.

The 12-person committee has been working since April 2007 to plan events commemorating those who made the county and those who make up the county.

Dan Stoddard, committee chair, said the committee is planning events in each and every city in the county.

“We want to celebrate with everyone,” he said. “It’s not Clovis’ centennial, it’s Curry County’s.”

The centennial will be celebrated at the Border Town Days Parade July 25 in Texico, and there are dinners tentatively scheduled for Melrose and Grady.

The committee is also working with youth, hosting art and essay contests in the schools and visiting classrooms to talk about Curry County’s history.

“We want them to be interested in Curry County and the history that goes along with that,” Stoddard said. “They are our future.”

The centennial is also planning to recognize veterans by presenting them with a certificate and a day of free admission at the Curry County Fair.

“The whole committee is working well together to bring all the information together of what Curry County was and is,” Stoddard said.

Another committee member, Patsy Delk, said the committee has sold eight life-sized recycled cast aluminum replica cows of Miss Moo Curry County to different sponsors.

The committee has several products available as commemorative items for the centennial. Currently, a centennial throw blanket is available at the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce.

Centennial lapel pins and coins will be available at the Curry County Fair, scheduled for Aug. 10-15. Centennial Christmas ornaments and greeting cards will be available closer to Christmas.

The Clovis News Journal is printing a centennial history book scheduled for a June release. Individuals interested in the centennial cookbook, containing over 600 recipes, can sign-up to purchase a copy at the county offices, Clovis-Carver Public Library and the Chamber.

Thus far, the committee has raised an estimated $38,000 toward their goal of $59,000.

Information: 763-6016

Curry County Centennial Schedule of Events

• April 17 — Sponsors VIP Train. This event is by invitation only.

• April 18 — Special Events Center Grand Opening/Centennial Kickoff Chuck Wagon Lunch. Sirloin tips, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and a slice of peach cobbler. Enjoy some music, and have your picture taken with Miss Moo Curry county. $25 per person. Reserve you ticket before April 3. Purchase a ticket to the lunch and concert for $40 per person and save $10.

• April 18 — Centennial kickoff concert. $25 per person. Purchase a ticket to the lunch and concert for $40 per person and save $10.

• June 6 — Pioneer Days Parade in Clovis.

• June 27 — Dairy Fest. Community-wide party that includes diary themed games and contests for all ages, live music, and food.

• July 25 — Border Town Days Parade in Texico.

• Aug. 10-15 — Curry County Fair. Celebrating our veterans and pioneers, these individuals will be presented with a certificate of honor on Aug. 14. Veteran and Pioneer names must be pre-registered to receive a certificate. Free entry into the fair for those registered. Contact the County Administration office at 763-6016 to register. Registration deadline is Aug. 1.

• Date to be announced — Breakfast in Melrose at the Melrose Senior Center.

• Items available for purchase:

— Centennial cookbook — over 600 recipes that bridge the past 100 years and photos reflecting those times $15 each

— Centennial throw blanket — designed by Chamber Ambassadors depicting how far Curry County has grown, $50 per throw, limited number available see Clovis/Curry County Chamber for details

— Centennial history book — published by the Clovis News Journal to include a Pioneer Families edition.

— Centennial lapel pins, coins, Christmas ornaments, and Christmas greeting cards featuring the centennial logo will also be available.