Mustang Days 2009 – Lovell, a Great Place to Hang Your Hat – kicks into high gear this weekend following two performances of the Mustang Follies Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as the Strong Man Competition and the first day of the Artists’ Market, both on Wednesday.
The “New Look” Mustang Days celebration that started last year is returning a bit to the traditional this year with the return of the Family Fun Night, the Kiddie Parade and the All-Class Reunion.
Efforts to streamline the event have continued this year, with the fireworks once again scheduled for Saturday night (June 27) and no events on Sunday.
Longtime Mustang Days co-chairmen Bruce and Linda Morrison have turned over the reins this year to new chairman Kristen Bryson, and she is being assisted this year by Stephanie Brimhall, Teresa Nixon, Keela Mangus and Linda Morrison.
The traditional celebration-ending fireworks at Horseshoe Bend had been staged for many years on Sunday night, but the event was moved last year to Saturday night to shorten the celebration and allow those who need to depart on Sunday to see the spectacular display.
That move spelled doom for the All-Class Reunion last year, but the reunion has returned this year and is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. at Constitution Park.
Also back after a one-year rest for volunteers is the Family Fun Night, which will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Constitution Park. Bryson said the Mustang Days Committee is still looking for volunteers to help set up and run games and booths.
Returning to the Saturday morning lineup will be the Kiddie Parade, which will begin at Oregon Avenue and Main Street next to First National Bank and Trust and run west to the LDS Church.
The Mustang Days Golf Tournament, which was held Friday a year ago, has been moved back to Saturday at the Foster Gulch Golf Course.
Two events of recent years are not being held this year: Music in the Park on Monday night and the Big Horn County Search and Rescue Demolition Derby. North Search and Rescue Captain Scott Allred said the demolition derby should return next year.
Here’s the remaining lineup for Mustang Days 2009:
Saturday, June 20: Day at the Lake, Horseshoe Bend.
Thursday, June 25: Annual Artists’ Market, Lovell Recreation Building on Main Street, 4-9 p.m. Artists’ workshop at 1 p.m.
--Annual Pindroppers Quilt Show, Lovell National Guard Armory, 5-9 p.m.
--Mustang Follies at the Hyart, 8 p.m. Dollies of the Follies and the Mustang Band on Main Street, 7:30 p.m.
The Follies will include the return of Henry Clay Lovell and the Ghost Riders in the Sky, along with dancing, singing, comedy and traditional favorites.
Friday, June 26: Mustang Breakfast sponsored by the Lovell Police Dept., Fire Hall, 6-10 a.m.
--Artists’ Market, Lovell Recreation Building on Main Street, 4-9 p.m. Artists’ workshop at 1 p.m.
--Pindroppers Quilt Show, Lovell National Guard Armory, 1-9 p.m.
--Ham Shoot sponsored by the Lovell Rod and Gun Club, 4 p.m.
--Family Fun Night, Constitution Park, 4:30-8 p.m. $1 entry fee and 25-cent games. Hot dog, chips and a pop. Volleyball, rock climbing wall, face painting, horseshoe pitching for kids, many other games.
--Rodeo Calcutta, Diamond J Bar, 8 p.m.
--Ice Cream Social featuring the Cowley Boys, Minchow’s Food Court, 8:30 p.m.
--Teen Bash, Constitution Park, 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Rock-climbing wall, Velcro wall, pitching speed game, many games. Food and refreshments. Sponsored by the Big Horn County Health Coalition.
Saturday, June 27: Mustang Breakfast, Fire Hall, 6-9 a.m.
--Ralph Robertson Memorial Fun Run, Lane 13 in front of the cemetery, 7 a.m. Check-in 6-6:30 a.m.
--Kiddie Parade, Oregon Avenue next to First National Bank and Trust, 10 a.m. Sign up at 9:15 a.m.
--Rose Parade, Main Street, 11 a.m.
--Mustang Barbecue, Walker’s Service Center, after the parade.
--Pindroppers Quilt Show, Lovell National Guard Armory, 12-4 p.m. Winners announced and raffle at 4 p.m.
--Mustang Days Golf Tournament, Foster Gulch, 1 p.m.
--Volleyball Tournament, Constitution Park, 1 p.m.
--Lions Club Duck Race, behind Karen for Plants, 2 p.m.
--Mustang Days Rodeo, Lovell Rodeo Grounds, 4 p.m.
--All-School Reunion, Constitution Park, 6 p.m.
--Fireworks sponsored by the Lovell Volunteer Fire Dept., Horseshoe Bend, dusk.
Sunday, June 28: Mustang Roundup community worship service, Constitution Park, followed by a block party with free food and games. Sponsored by Faith Southern Baptist Church.