Celebrating independence

There was increased participation in the activities at this year's Fourth of July celebration in Logan, according to Logan/Ute Lake Chamber of Commerce officials.

The highlight of the event was the awarding of the raffle prize. The winner, Mark Romero, of Tucumcari has his choice of prizes: $10,000 cash, an $11,000 remodeling package by Bryan Roach Custom Builders LLC and a vacation package worth up to $11,000.

Romero could not be reached for comment.

There were more than 800 people served at the free barbecue and bean feed, said Courtney Neece, chamber secretary.

Neece said it was one of the biggest crowds they have had in a few years. She said the bean feed and fireworks display is the chambers way of giving back to the community.

For the bean feed and free barbecue 1,000 pounds of meat was cooked for the meal, said Bucky Stone, chamber vice-president.

Stone said overall, the entire weekend was a success, even with Saturday's scheduled fireworks show being rained out. He said residents and visitors understood the situation and showed up for the event on Sunday night.

Marking its second year returning to the Ute Lake State Park was the annual horseshoe pitching contest.

Moving this event back to the state park has increased the interest and participation in the event, said Charles Knotts, event coordinator.

Knotts said this year's turnout was the highest in several years. He said there were several adults who entered the event as well as juniors.

"I am optimistic that there will be even more interest in the event next year," Knotts said.

In the past the tournament had contestants from Logan and Tucumcari, but this year, there were people from Albuquerque, Roy, Clovis and Amarillo, he added.

Knotts said this year's tournament had 14 entries for singles competition and seven for doubles competition. He said last year there were only seven in singles and three in doubles.

The parade had as many if not more entries as last year, said Judy Casados, event coordinator.

Casados said this year, there were several entries that did not want to be judged. She said the parade drew a lot of complements from the crowd.

"Overall, it was a success," Casados said."

Horseshoe results:

Individual results

1. Aaron Martinez

2. Robert Lopez

3. Willie Martinez

Doubles results

1. George Richardson and Kevin Rickwartz

2. Caleb Lopez and Raul Rodriguez

Parade results:

Western

1. High Plains Horsemen Association

Organization

1. Tumbleweed 4-H

2. Eastern New Mexico Blue Grass Association

3. American Legion Post 77

Children

1. Miley and Masey Stone

2. Trinity Grant

Antique Vehicle

1. Ron Jenison

Other Automobile

1. Carlos Santiago

Commercial

1. Logan Subway

2. Mamma T's

3. Rocking Taco