400 expected for this week's Rattler Reunion

An officer for the Rattler Reunion is expecting about 400 people to descend upon Tucumcari when the big annual event begins on Thursday.

Kathy Segura, treasurer of the Rattler Reunion, said in a phone interview last Friday that 150 people already had registered for the 52nd event.

Segura said she expected another 200 to 300 people to register by Friday, the reunion’s first big day.

“We’re excited,” she said.

Registration begins at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Tucumcari Convention Center, with a meet-and-greet catered that night by Del’s Restaurant from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Registration on Friday is from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the convention center, with a cash bar from 5 p.m. to midnight.

Segura said she expects more floats during the Parade of Classes, which begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. She said more businesses are participating in the parade.

The parade will begin from the Tucumcari Convention Center east on Route 66 to Lake Street, north to Hancock Avenue, west to Grove Street, back south to Route 66 and return to the convention center. Entries will gather at 8:30 a.m. Saturday in the convention center’s parking lot before the parade.

Segura said another change is the Saturday pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. is being moved from the Mesa Cafeteria to the convention center. The breakfast will be hosted by FFA alumni.

Other events of the Rattler Reunion (location is at the convention center unless otherwise noted):

— 10 a.m. Friday: 18-hole scramble at Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course

— 5 p.m. to midnight Friday: Barbecue by the Tucumcari Alumni Association

— 8 p.m. to midnight Friday: Dance featuring DJ Phil Benavidez

— 10 a.m. to noon Saturday: Registration continues

— 10 a.m. to noon Saturday: Class photos

— Noon Saturday: Golden Rattler Luncheon hosted by the Class of 1969, catered by Las Chaparrita’s

— Noon Saturday: Class lunches at various locations

— 5:30 p.m. Saturday: Saturday night social

— 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday: Gathering of the classes

— 8 p.m. Saturday: Banquet followed by dance featuring DJ Phil Benavidez

— 10 a.m. Sunday: Community worship service at the Odeon Theatre.

More information can be found at rattlerreunion.com.