Rattler Reunion begins this weekend

QCS Senior Writer

The 45th annual Rattler Reunion is set to begin Thursday through Saturday at the Tucumcari Convention Center and will be hosted by the class of Class of 1985.

Through the years that the Rattler Reunion has been held many of the events are well known and attended including the Golden Rattler Luncheon, Parade of Classes, Golf Tournament and the banquet dinners and dances.

Although one event that has been looked over during the reunion is the Pancake Breakfast at 7 a.m. - 9 a.m., at the Mesa Cafeteria at Tucumcari Middle School, said Pam Clark, reunion coordinator.

The pancake breakfast is a fund raiser for a future graduating class that goes towards the cost of the senior week activities, said Lorinda Garcia, event organizer.

Garcia said the events it helps to pay for include the painting the street and the “T” on Tucumcari Mountain as well as the all night party held after graduation. She said this year’s pancake breakfast will be held by the Class of 2017.

Garcia said the event is much more than just a fundraiser, it is a chance for the current students of Tucumcari High School to meet and get to know the alumni. She said it shows that their is support for this reunion from future and past alumni alike.

As part of every Rattler Reunion there will be a 50th year class reunion with this year being the Class of 1965.

This years speaker for the class of 1965 will be Steve Yarbrough, who will be discussing the 1957 Quay County Little League All-Stars.

The 1957 Little League All-Stars made it to the semi-final round of the Little League World Series and lost 1-0 to La Mesa, California in San Francisco California.

The All-Stars had several close games to advance so far in the Little League World Series including a 6-5 win over Phoenix for the Southwestern Little League Championship.

In an excerpt from an article from the Tucumcari Daily News: A loudspeaker set up outside the First Baptist Church Across from City Hall mirrored enthusiasm of Tucumcarians who listened, enraptured and nerve-wrackingly, to the two hours and 40 minute contest.

I think its going to be a wonderful speak and presentation for those of us who grew up during that time and for the later generations to relive such an event with us, said R Kelly McFarland, class of 1965 alumni.

McFarland said he will be attending the reunion this year and is looking forward to a great time and seeing some people he has not seen since graduation. He said it will be nice to find out what people have done in their lives and what they are doing now.

Thursday

Registration: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Tucumcari Convention Center ($40 per person includes a Rattler Reunion Annual and all dances and banquets)

Rattler Mixer: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Tucumcari Convention Center

Friday

Registration: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Tucumcari Convention Center

Rattler Golf Tournament: 10 a.m., Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course

Social: 5:30 p.m., Tucumcari Convention Center

Friday Night Barbecue: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Tucumcari Convention Center

Friday Night Dance: 8 p.m. - Midnight, Tucumcari Convention Center

Saturday

Class of 2017 Pancake Breakfast: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Mesa Cafeteria

Parade of Classes: 9 a.m., Tucumcari (Route displayed on map on page: )

Registration: 10 a.m. - noon, Tucumcari Convention Center

Class Pictures: 10 a.m. - noon, Tucumcari Convention Center

Class Luncheons: noon, TBA

Golden Rattler Luncheon, noon, Rattler Den

Social: 5:30 p.m., Tucumcari Convention Center

Saturday night Banquet and Dance: 630 p.m.,- Midnight, Tucumcari Convention Center

Entry to individual events

Friday Night Dance only $15

Saturday Night Banquet and Dance $25

Saturday Night Dance only $15