Published: August 21, 2006 03:36 pm         

Blanchard Chamber of Commerce reports successful rodeo parade

BLANCHARD — The Blanchard Chamber of Commerce would like to say thank you to the many businesses that sponsored this year Rodeo Parade, and a special thank you to Laura Clark with Pishon’s Treasures. Laura made many contacts to round-up clubs, and other groups to invite them to participate in the parade. She also opened up Pischon’s for the McClain County Sheriff’s office to use for finger printing children. Tom Doshier with Eisenhour’s Funeral Home once again took charge of the “lining-up” of the entries. Carol Hager with Bricktown Financial LLC., and Becky Martin with United Country Realty also worked to organize this year’s parade. These four individuals put in a lot of hard work and gave of their time to make this year’s parade a success.

On parade day, the festivities began at 9:30 a.m. with Ashley Windham, presented by Big Dogg Plus Entertainment, performing. She is a local entertainer who recently released her first CD. Ashley did a great job entertaining the crowd. If you missed her, you can purchase her CD at Pischon’s Treasures. When our local veterans presented the flag, Sandra Park, school superintendent, let the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and Ashley then performed the National Anthem. Our emcee this year was Dwight Dicus, District Manager, IESI, and Carol Hager

We once again had the Best Little Rodeo Clown contest for youth 12 and under. Top Hat, and his side kick Pogo, were this year’s judges. They had a very hard time judging because we had a very good group of contestants. Top Hat said, “They are all winners because they competed.” Both Top Hat and Pogo are directors of their clown units and members of their local Masonic lodge. Newcastle Wal-mart donated backpacks for each of the contestants. This year’s first prize winner of $50 was Becky Cunningham, 2nd place winner of $25 was Levi Hames,,and 3rd place winner was Macy Hays. Prize money was donated by Carol Hager with Bricktown Financial LLC. The Golf Club at Indian Ridge LLC provided golf carts as transportation for our contestants to ride in the parade with members of the Blanchard High School football team driving the carts

BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) were once again on hand to begin the excitement. We were then entertained by Round-up and Riding Clubs from near and far, associations of all kinds, and lots of others. First Place for the Round-up Clubs was the Canadian Valley Rangerettes from Mustang, and they received $500. Second place winner of $200 was Indian Territory Riding Club, and third place winner of $100 was the Tuttle Round-up Club. The Canadian Valley Rangerettes also won for the best overall presentation.

We welcomed Jenn Kauffman, our new Band director and her assistant, Jacob Hofer. They along with Mrs. Park were judges for this year’s parade.

Vicki Weyrough, Realtor with Dillard Realty Group, once again coordinated a tour of homes.

We would also like to thank the following businesses for donations to support this year’s parade: Eisenhour Funeral Home, Red Cross Drug, C-21, CountrySide Realty, American Abstract, BJ’s Oilfield Services, Blanchard Drug and Gift, Richey’s Insurance and Tag Agency, Ray Williams Backhoe Services, and Dakota’s Restaurant.