MIDDLETOWN — The annual Middletown Days celebration is in its 51st year.
The annual event raises funds to support Middletown”s Central Park, which features an equestrian arena, children”s play area, barbecue facilities and a stage and dance floor. The park is operated and maintained solely by a nonprofit corporation using funds raised through community events.
The event starts with roping at 6 p.m. June 15 at Middletown”s Central Park. The parade starts at 10 a.m. June 16, traveling from Perry”s Deli south of Middletown down Highway 29 to Tri Counties bank. Spectators are advised to arrive before 9:30 a.m. to avoid getting caught in the detour traffic. Parking is available on all streets east of Highway 29. Parking will not be permitted on most streets west of the highway.
Parade applications are available by email at madtoys@gmail.com or by calling Martha Webster at 987-0470. Parade entry cost is $5 for children younger than 12, $7 for adults and $10 for organizations and groups.
The barbecue starts at noon at Central Park, located just south of downtown Middletown.
Chicken or tri-tip meals with all the fixings are available, while parade winners collect their trophies. A karaoke contest follows at 1 p.m.
Fast action in the arena also starts at 1 p.m. with the Ranch Rodeo and Junior Rodeo. Traditional rodeo events alternate with events for little cowboys and cowgirls throughout the day.
Children”s events include calf roping, mutton bustin”, calf riding and the hide ride. Older cowpokes will compete in bronc riding, team roping, steer riding and trailer loading events sanctioned by the Western States Ranch Rodeo Association (WSRRA).
Signups start at noon. For information, contact Kevin Tighe at 355-2276.
A special treat at last year”s 50th anniversary was the return of Silver Creek, a group of men who grew up in Pope Valley and played for Middletown Days while they were still in their teens.
The original members and friends reunited for the anniversary event and will return to play for the traditional Saturday night dance.
The dance is from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. under the stars at Central Park.
June 17 starts early with the Father”s Day Breakfast hosted by the Middletown Lioness Club from 8 to 11 a.m. The cost of breakfast is $7 for adults and $4 for children 6 and younger.Entertainment in the park includes a variety of music all day long and the gymkhana beginning at 11 a.m. (signups at 10 a.m.).
The big finale is the Queen”s Drawing for beef donated by the Deberry family just before the rescue race and hide ride.
Contact Johanna Snell for gymkhana information at 355-1276.
The Cowboy Cafe is open with hamburgers, hot dogs and sandwiches all day. The Middletown Lions will be pouring at the beer booth.
More information and entry forms are available at the website middletowndays.org or by email at mcpa1961@gmail.com.
