Serving the High Plains

Pages past - Aug. 18

On this date ...

1971: The Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce heard about plans for the Pinata Festival, scheduled for Sept. 9-11. Organizers said they decided to hold the Pinata Queen pageant inside the Tucumcari Junior High School auditorium. The contest was open to all girls age 15 to 22. Contestants were expected to wear historical Southwest, Native American, Pioneer, Spanish or Fiesta clothing. The winner would receive a $100 savings bond and a wardrobe.

• Tucumcari was among 60 towns set to become the subject of an Economic Development Profile initiated by the New Mexico Department of Development and the University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business Research. Local officials will be required to fill out a 38-page, 600-question profile “covering every aspect of community activity.” The project aims to give quick information and resources to potential investors.

• The Quay County Arena Association was sponsoring an amateur rodeo that weekend, complete with all the usual events and an open-air dance on Saturday night with a performance by The Dudes. Rodeo headquarters will be at the Leatherwood Manor Motel.

• The Broasted Chicken stand across from the Pony Soldier Motel in Tucumcari offered 21 pieces of chicken with potatoes and gravy and a pint of slaw for $5.75. A large 15-ounce shake or malt was 15 cents. Meanwhile, the Dairy Queen Brazier for a limited time offered a shake for 9 cents for each purchase of a Burger Deluxe.