By Brook DeZavala
Despite record breaking heat Meridian Parks and Recreations Chisholm Trail Roundup was a success.
On Saturday, July 9, the Meridian Parks and Recreation Committee decided to expand their 2021 Chisholm Chili Cook off by celebrating Meridian’s parks and new facilities.
The family-oriented activities were spread from the Bosque Bottoms to the John A. Lomax Amphitheater and farther over into Lions Park.
The event kicked off with an official flag raising ceremony in Meridian Park by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion of Clifton. Miriam Wallace also performed the National Anthem while the flag was raised.
Handcrafted items and homemade treats flooded the park during the Bosque Farmers market.
Robbins Nest Café Food truck provided their comfort food for the event from open until close. Shaved ice vendors were there to help cool visitors down during the blistering heat.
Over in Bosque Bottoms, Salvation Riders #1026 of Hillsboro, a part of Christian Motorcyclists Association, were out in their full leather riding gear to provide water for everyone in attendance.
The Centex Classics and Hot Rod Club rolled into Bosque Bottoms and organized a car show and donated their proceeds to Meridian VFD. Meridian Police Chief Blake Johnson and Meridian Mayor Ryan Nieuwenhuis got the honor of choosing their favorite.
Mayor Ryan Nieuwenhuis chose a custom painted 1967 Nova SS owned by Billy Grizzle, and Chief Johnson chose a 1965 Shelby Cobra owned by Jerry Mobley. Mobley wanted to ensure credit for his fully custom-built classic was given to Outlaw Body Shop in Clifton.
Ace Hardware of Meridian donated a Kamado Joe Red Egg charcoal smoker grill worth hundreds and the Meridian Locker plant added a $150 gift card to the raffle won by Jeanette Kattner.
Meridian Public Library set up a booth to serve ice cream floats, Meridian Veteran’s Memorial set up and provided information about the new Veterans Memorial to be built at the intersection of Highway 6 and 22, and Bosque County Genealogy Association were out spreading information about their group.
Many created a wide flavorful variety of margaritas in hopes of winning the margarita contest. Jackye Hatley won first place while Kamree Nieuwenhuis was awarded second. Ryan Nieuwenhuis took third place.
Although the heat was intense, the chili cookoff competitors were in full force.
Guy Paulson won first place, and Tony Woodruff followed in second. The Meridian Chamber of Commerce’s chili took third, and Vicky Young received fourth place. Vicki Young and Meridian Chamber of Commerce chose to donate their winnings to the Meridian VFD.
Over in the shade trees of Lions Park, basketball, cornhole, washers and horseshoe tournaments lasted until after dark. The Clifton Volunteer Fire Department allowed the use of their dunking booth that was a popular hit with all ages. The kids lined up for a chance to dunk their teachers and the mayor. All proceeds from the dunking booth went to the Meridian Volunteer Fire Department. The giant inflatable water slide kept everyone who dared to climb it cooled off.
Although the events in Lions Park continued into the late evening and the Bosque Bottoms events wrapped up early due to the heat, there was still more fun to be had at the Texas Swing Concert held in the Meridian Civic Center.
The award-winning Kristyn Harris and Band had everyone boot scootin’ and singing along well into the evening. Meridian’s own Brett and Simone Voss volunteered their time. Simone helped Meridian City Administrator Marie Garland with tallying up the competition votes, and Brett Voss was the sound technician for the concert.
Meridians’ Chamber of Commerce and Public Library board of directors had a big hand in making this event happen.
If you haven’t been to one of the events held in Meridian parks, they are worth checking out and are open to everyone regardless of where you reside. Check the City of Meridian’s website at www.meridiantexas.us or give them a call at 254-435-2381.
Bosque County Express covers events and news all across Bosque County. Keep checking our social media “Bosque County Express” and our group “Bosque County Blast” for the latest happenings.
