Holbrook residents and visitors will celebrate the town’s rough and rowdy past at the annual Wild West Days set for Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15, at the historic courthouse, located at 100 E. Arizona St.
This year’s celebration will take Holbrook back to the days of its youth with a horse parade, an opportunity to escape the historic courthouse jail, some down-home fiddling and Dutch oven delights. Also included will be a talent show, line dancing, kids’ activities, eating contests, a 4-H petting zoo and the annual Bucket of Blood Races.
This year’s parade will feature a variety of horses, including Clydesdales, wagons and buggies. Other entries are also being sought for the horse parade, which can include anything of a Wild West theme, with or without a horse. The route will travel from east to west on Buffalo Street all the way to Eighth Avenue, then turn south onto Hopi Drive, where it will head east to Navajo Blvd. then north to the historic courthouse on East Arizona Street.
Those lawbreakers (participants) wanting to escape from the county’s oldest jail will find themselves locked in a cell with a number of clues that could mean a break for freedom before they run out of time and face the hangman’s noose.
Locals are invited to compete in a sweet Dutch oven competition with the possibility to win a $100, $50 or $25 prize awarded by the judges.
Those who have a talent that will fit into the Wild West theme of the weekend are encouraged to take part in the talent show. Those participating must register by July 6.
This year’s Bucket of Blood Races will travel a new route along Old Woodruff Road. Signups and information for the 5K, 10K and 20-mile bike ride are available at Active.com.
There will also be homemade ice cream, Navajo tacos and a photo booth, as well as some vendors for the two-day celebration. Bring the family, bring friends and come enjoy Holbrook’s Wild West Days.
For more information or to register for events, contact Kathleen Smith of the City of Holbrook at 524-6225.
