Every fall the community of Spur turns out to celebrate with Spur schools and legions of ex-students in a homecoming event that’s been a legend since 1952.
This year, a few rain showers in between scheduled events did nothing to dampen the festivities as reunion classes and other returnees marked 70 years of Spur Homecoming, which was also the theme of the event this year.
Perhaps of greatest interest—even more than the football team’s decisive victory Friday night—were the numerous representatives of seven decades of homecoming queens. Numerous queens from previous years donned tiaras and blue sashes Saturday afternoon before mounting a parade float that garnered special recognition from the judges.
The earliest reunion class participating in the parade was represented by Winona Rinehart of the Class of 1942.
Starting with Thursday night’s pep rally, presentation of football teams and cheerleaders, and presentation of the 2022 Homecoming Court and escorts, Spur exes gathered from near and far to reminisce on years past, share news of friends and families, and lend their support to school and community.
The Spur Class of 2023 hosted a fundraising hamburger dinner that evening at the community center before the pep rally and a traditional bonfire in Swenson Park.
On Friday, many local businesses and art patrons purchased works on display at the Spur Art Guild, which reported exhibitor participation that nearly doubled last year’s. (We’ll have full results in next week’s issue.)
The varsity Bulldogs didn’t disappoint their faithful in the Jones Stadium stands that night, with a resounding victory (see page 4 for the full story; visit The Texas Spur Facebook page for more game-night photos).
On Saturday, Spur alums joined students and staff in the Dog Domes for an assembly and lunch before heading downtown for the parade. The skies cleared and the wind died down just in time for vehicles to roll down Burlington Avenue.
At The Palace Theater, volunteers from the Dickens County Historical Commission welcomed visitors to view an overview of the Palace’s history. A November fund-raising drive was kicked off, thanks to longtime volunteers Harry Bob and Mary Martin (more on this in next week’s issue). Those who missed the video presentation many view it on the theater’s website at www. palacespur.org/history.
Capping things off Saturday evening were class parties held at various locations, and a dance featuring local band Tanner Lane. The blue-and-gold faithful energized the local community in material ways throughout the multi-day event, patronizing local eateries that are emerging from recent closures, visiting new establishments such as The Mercantile at Spur Hardware (watch for more next week, too!) and filling local lodgings before making their way homeward again on Sunday.
Thanks go out to everyone who worked so hard to roll out the welcome mat—and will soon start on plans for 2023!
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