Plains prepares for celebration

PLAINS – Country scenes and children’s dreams will soon fill Plains on Saturday, June 7 as the annual Plains Day celebration begins. 

The day is packed full of activities, stretching from 7 a.m. until way past sunset. 

According to the parade and vendor organizer, Carol Day, this year will not see many changes. 

Other than a new event, which will take place at the Sanders County Fairgrounds, Plains Day will look much like last year’s celebration.

Pat Waldoch will hold a Super Sort event at the fairgrounds, targeting both competitive riders from outside of town, and has also catered Sunday’s events to provide a fun time for less experienced riders, which will most likely feature locals. 

This year, a lack of volunteers hindered any major changes, however, the celebration still caters towards bringing family friendly fun to the area.

This year, the day will start off with the Mason’s Breakfast at the VFW, which will run from 7 – 11 a.m. The breakfast is the Mason’s main form of fundraising and this year hopes are high that a good turnout will take place for the meal. 

At 8 a.m., a 4-mile run/walk will take place, starting at the beach by the fairgrounds. Same day registration will being at 7 a.m. 

Nicole Scribner is helping to organize the event, along with Carol Brooker and Denise Montgomery.  

Scribner is more than excited for the event and can’t wait to see the turnout this year. This will be Scribner’s second Plains Day, although it will be her first time as an organizer

“I’m really excited for this walk and run. It will get people up and out,” Scribner said. “It’s a great way to kick off your day.”

The Super Sort Horse Event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and is the only event that will span into Sunday. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday as well.

At 10 a.m. registration for both the car and motorcycle show will begin and interested parties are encouraged to come to the greenway to sign up. 

Also on the greenway will be artisan crafts and vendors. 

Day said a handful of new vendors will be available this year, with Sanders County Dog Training, Kaufman’s Country Kitchen, Texas Twisters, Papa’s Sweet Treats and Electric Elegance joining the festivities. 

Also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be an ice cream social at Rocky Mountain Bank. 

One of the favorite events for the day is the parade, which features a handful of different groups and organizations. 

Kids line up on the side of the street, eagerly anticipating the handfuls of candy that will come their way.

From 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., those interested in participating in the parade can register and line up for the event at the Plains High School. From there, the parade will begin at noon.

Day was unsure of how many participants there will be this year.

“You’re lucky if you get five people to preregister,” Day said. “Most people register the day of the parade.”

For those who are interested in preregistering, registration forms are available on the Plains Chamber website at plainsmtchamber.org. 

Once the parade is complete, people will be able to stroll the greenway feasting their eyes on different vehicles as the annual car/motorcycle show takes place from 12:30 – 4 p.m., followed by awards. 

Possibly the most anticipated event of the day will take place at 1 p.m. behind Rocky Mountain Bank. The annual turtle races are sure to entertain as kids and families send their beloved pets in a mad dash to the center circle. After a few waves of races, the winners of each wave will compete in a head-to-head dash, deciding this year’s turtle champion. 

With a slight break in between events, attendees are encouraged to enjoy the day until the beats of feet take over the EL Johnson Memorial Pool Park. The dancing will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the floor will then open to the community. Anyone who feels the groove will be able to show his or her moves on the blacktop. 

The day ends with a drive-in movie also at the park. The movie will start shortly after dark. 

Last year droves of cars parked on the green grass, ensuring they had the best position available for the movie.

After months of planning, the highly anticipated celebration is ready to take over Plains for another year. 

Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact the following people: For the car show call Ken Saner at 370-8203; for the 4 mile run/walk call Nicole Scribner at 406 478-0062; for the Super Sort contact Pat Waldoch at 826-3992 and for the parade/vendors, call Carol Day at 531-3469.