Lamar Days Set for the Weekend

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Hundreds of residents turned out last weekend, May 10-11 for the combined Wild West BBQ Contest and Cinco de Mayo festivities at Willow Creek Park.  Termed, “Springplosion”, the sunny and warm weather contributed to crowds, which at one time lined the road adjacent to the park from Parkview School to the north, to Pike’s Tower at the southern end of the park and the side streets leading into Willow Valley.

The annual BBQ, sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, brought in 31 contestants, a record number, according to Diane Pool, one of the organizers.  The Backyard Grillers competition for local residents was held Friday evening while all the main attractions were on display for all of Saturday, including a traditional Spanish dancer, Kenia Grajeda Vasquez.  The vendors did a brisk business through the day and there were plenty of kids taking turns on the inflatable rides. 

Wagon teams put on a display from the Arkansas Valley Wagon Pullers, and a mix of different ages and styles of vehicles were on display for a new entry, the Sho & Shine Car Show. 

Not exactly a kid’s ride, but still fun, was the inflatable combat arena for pugil stick contestants, hosted by the Army National Guard.  Kids, and some adults, donned safety helmets, entered the ring and stood their ground on their own post, attempting to use padded staffs to unseat their opposition, similar to a modern day Robin Hood and Little John.

The weekend marked some significant changes to the way May events were celebrated in Lamar.  Cinco de Mayo ran a week behind the historic calendar observation and moved from the North Side Park, but residents had more vendors, kid’s rides and activities to enjoy this year. 

The BBQ event was scheduled separate from the traditional Lamar Days events and was conducted more as a stand alone activity coupled with the car show and horse display.

Lamar Days will be celebrated this weekend, May 17-19, also at Willow Creek Park and will feature some traditional events including the 10am Parade on Saturday, the Lamar Lions Pancake Breakfast at the Masonic Temple and sidewalk sale downtown.  The “Wake Up Lamar” breakfast will run between 6:45am to 7:45am at the Elks Lodge and two added features will contribute to additional people in town with the Colorado Jr. Rodeo Association competing at the LCC Arena and the S.E. Colorado All-Stars High School Rodeo at the fairgrounds.  The Rotary Ducky Dash will be held on dry land this year, also at the Park.  Residents will watch some wild west shoot-em-up re-enactments featuring Clay Allison and His Gang, at around 12:15, also at the park.  The All the Right Moves Dancers will entertain again this year, and the 18^th Annual Rod Run Car Show will also attract numerous visitors as in years past.  There will be no carnival associated with Lamar Days this year, but it’s hoped that absence won’t limit the number of area residents who plan to enjoy themselves during Lamar Days.

By Russ Baldwin