MIDDLETOWN — The annual Middletown Days celebration will take place June 14, 15 and 16. The event will begin with a junior rodeo at 10 a.m. and team roping at 6 p.m.
The annual event raises funds to support Middletown”s Central Park, which features an equestrian arena, children”s play area, barbecue facilities, as well as a stage and dance floor. The park is operated and maintained by a nonprofit corporation.
On the second day, a parade will take place at 10 a.m. followed by a barbecue and awards presentation at noon.
The parade will travel from Perry”s Deli, south of Middletown, down Highway 29 to Tri Counties Bank. Spectators should arrive before 9:30 a.m. to avoid detour traffic. Parking is available on all streets east of Highway 29, but it will not be permitted on most streets west of the highway.
The barbecue will be at Central Park, located just south of downtown Middletown. A chicken or tri-tip meal with all the fixings will be served. Cost of the meal is $12 for adults and $8 for children 12 and younger.
Vendors will sell food and various items all day.
The ranch and junior rodeo and a karaoke contest begin at 1 p.m. Traditional rodeo alternates with events for young cowboys and cowgirls throughout the day. Children”s events include calf roping, mutton bustin”, calf riding and the hide ride.
Adults 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.
The Dave Russell Band will play at a dance from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. under the stars at Central Park. Gates open at 8 p.m. Cost of the dance is $10 per person. Children 12 and younger will be admitted free-of-charge.
On June 16, the annual Middletown Lioness Club Father”s Day breakfast will be available from 8 to 11 a.m. Cost of breakfast is $7 for adults and $4 for children 6 and younger. The breakfast will be followed by the gymkhana at 11 a.m. (Sign-ups at 10 a.m.). Contact Johanna Snell for gymkhana information at 355-1276.
New to the event, the Bloody Mary Horseshoe Tournament will take place at noon at the new Central Park horseshoe pit. Music from Greybeard & Friends will be provided from noon on. The Queen”s Drawing for beef donated by the Deberry family will be also be held.
The Cowboy Cafe will be open with hamburgers, hot dogs and sandwiches available for purchase, and the Middletown Lions will host a beer booth.
More information and entry forms are available at the Middletown Central Park”s website, middletowndays.org, or by email at mcpa1961@gmail.com.
Parade applications are available by email at madtoys@gmail.com or by calling Susie at 987-3626 or Serena at 322-6807. Parade entry cost is $7 for adults, $5 for children younger than 12 and $10 for organizations and groups.
