Athens Review, Athens, Texas

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June 18, 2008

Eustace gears up for Pioneer Day this weekend

By Lauren Ricks

Folks in Eustace will be kickin’ up some dust this weekend — whether they’re running in a race or dancing in the street.

The city’s annual Pioneer Day will kick off Saturday to mark its 33rd year, according to Cary Reeve, the original — and current — chairman of Eustace Pioneer Day.

“It’s kinda like a hometown family reunion,” Reeve said.

Reeve said the Pioneer Day Parade will have wagons, some pulled by horses and some by tractors. He said anyone is welcome to join the parade.

“I will make sure of it. I’ll be in the front,” Reeve said.

The first event of the day is the Eustace Pioneer Day 5K run, beginning at 8 a.m. This is the third year of the event.

Race coordinator Gene Myers said registration on Saturday will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Town Square Gazebo.

He said he expects about 90 participants to race. Twenty-two have registered so far. The $20 entry fee includes a T-shirt.

“The race starts at the middle school, with two large laps around the school property and finishes at the flag pole at the square,” Myers said.

At 9 a.m. various booths — peddling arts, crafts, games and food — are scheduled to open for business on the square. Reeve said about 45 booths are expected to participate.

“I’ve never had a bigger variety of people doing stuff,” Reeve said.

A booth with electricity can be rented for $20; one without costs $10.

“It pays for the bands, the ribbons and the trophies,” Reeve said. “I don’t ever break even.”

Pioneer Day will offer many competitions and entertainment for attendees.

A “42” domino tournament at the Eustace Fire Department and the Classic Jaguar Car Show begin at 11 a.m.

At noon, a horseshoe-pitching contest and a cake walk will be held. A pet show will follow at 1 p.m.

The Eustace Fire Department will host a bingo game at 3 p.m. Reeve said prizes will include Beanie Babies and Wal-Mart gift cards.

Throughout the day entertainment will be provided by The Allen Family Four; Texas Praise; Heaven’s Calling; Zachary Stokes and Austin Pogue; Diamond Dawgs Dance and Country Boy D.J. Grant.

From 8 p.m. to midnight a street dance will be held featuring John Allen and the WhipLash Band.

Reeve said throughout the day he expects about 2,000 people to participate in Pioneer Day.

“We could have more,” he said.

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