Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
A few new wrinkles, including a change in the parade route, were added to the 48th edition of the Rattler Reunion set for Thursday through Saturday.
Kathy Segura, director of the Tucumcari Alumni Association that organizes the annual event, said last week about 200 people had registered to attend, with more expected to register this week.
“We’re expecting more than 300, and hoping for 400,” she said.
On-site registration begins from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Tucumcari Convention Center along with a meet-and-greet there during that time. Registrations also will be taken all day Friday and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.
The annual parade at 9 a.m. Saturday will run entirely on Tucumcari Boulevard, from the convention center to the old Kmart building on the city’s east side. Last year’s parade went on Tucumcari Boulevard, south on First Street, west on Washington Avenue and north on 11th Street.
Segura said it made sense this year to keep the parade along the old Route 66 corridor.
“There’s a lot of businesses there that support us,” she explained.
Segura said another change is there will not be a dance at the convention center Friday night, though background music will be played. In previous years, a disc jockey played music on Friday nights. She said she wanted to make Friday night more conducive for conversation among Rattler alumni.
“Every gets up and leaves because the music was too loud,” Segura said of previous Friday nights during Rattler Reunion weekend.
The guest speaker for the Saturday night banquet at the convention center will be New Mexico historian and author Don Bullis, who will share stories about Quay County and the surrounding area.
The Rattler Class of 1989, the official reunion host, will sell raffle fundraiser tickets drawn during the Saturday night banquet. Among the prizes are Bullis’ “New Mexico Historical Chronology” book, “Painting the Sand” book by Kim Hughes, original matted photos by Laura Love of historic Route 66 landmarks and other sites in Tucumcari; and wreaths with a Tucumcari Rattler or Route 66 design.
In addition, these events are scheduled for Saturday:
• A pancake breakfast at Tucumcari High School’s Mesa Cafeteria at 901 S. Fifth St. from 7 to 9 a.m., with proceeds going to the Class of 2020;
• Class photos taken from 10 a.m. to noon at the convention center;
• Class luncheons at various locations in Tucumcari, including the Golden Rattler Luncheon for the Class of 1964 and a Rattler Band Luncheon;
• Social hour with a cash bar at the convention center at 5:30 p.m. before the banquet.
An 18-hole golf scramble at Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course will take place with a 10 a.m. tee time Friday. Those who want more information should call (575) 461-1849.
The alumni association will host a barbecue dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the convention center, with Cornerstone First Edition catering.
The Rattler Reunion receives financial support from the city’s Lodgers Tax Advisory Board.