A vital part of the Cleveland Days celebration is missing this year. For many years everywhere you looked, there was Darrell Gardner, emceeing events, yelling on the megaphone, smiling at jobs well done.
He was running alongside participants in races, dancing his heart out, and always encouraging everyone to do better, give more, or push harder. We will miss his willing service more than we know. Thanks to all those who have stepped in to carry out the jobs this one man has done for so many years.
The Cleveland Days celebration begins a fun filled week with a bike ride for all ages on July 20. The family barbeque and Miss Cleveland Pageant will be on July 21. The trap shoot and family bingo night will be on July 22.
July 23 is the potluck lamb fry begins at 6 p.m. at the Main Street pavilion. The kids bike races are on this day at 5 p.m.
Prices are: $5 per plate or $20 per family with a potluck dish, $8 per plate and $35 per family without a potluck dish. All prices are for immediate family members only.
July 24 will start early with the “Taint No Where” 5K run. Runners, walkers and bikers are encouraged to participate and support the Gardner family. Registration begins at 6 a.m. at the Clemo Junction near the Gardner home. This event is a fundraiser and all proceeds with benefit the Gardner family. $5 person or $10 with a t-shirt. Contact Ashley at 749-2978 for more information.
Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Main Street Pavilion. All 5K participants are invited to attend. The children’s parade will start at 10:30 a.m. and the big parade with begin at 11 a.m. Everyone participating in the parade needs to meet at the church parking lot before 10:30 a.m. Families are invited and encouraged to make a entry for the parade.
Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries from Cleveland families. Following the parade there will be a Ping-Pong ball drop, games, races, horseshoes, volleyball, co-ed softball, and new this year a hotdog eating contest. Lunch at the park will include Navajo tacos, pork sandwiches, hotdogs and corn on the cob. Music will start at 7 p.m. and all former social dance students are invited to come and participate in a special tribute to Darrell Gardner at 8:30 p.m. at the school yard and fireworks begin at dusk.
Concessions will be available. Bring your appetite, blankets and chairs and enjoy the best fireworks around. For more information see the Cleveland Days schedule or call the Town Hall at 653-2310.
Cleveland to honor Gardner family during celebration
"The Gardner family, Jake, Jax, Natalie, Darrell and D'Lee stand with the sign they received when they were honored citizens at the Cleveland Days celebration several years ago."