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Henrietta’s annual Pioneer Reunion kicks off with parade
HENRIETTA (KFDX/KJTL) — From horseback riders to rodeo queens, downtown Henrietta was transformed into a scene straight out of a Western film with the Cowboy Kickoff Parade.
The Cowboy Kickoff Parade has been a staple for decades, launching the Pioneer Reunion with a nod to the county’s history.
“Early history is very important to us,” said Clay County Judge Mike Campbell. “We want our young people to understand that it wasn’t always this easy, that the reason we have the freedoms we have today, the reason we have the conveniences we have today, [is] because the pioneers who came across in 1870s felt this was a good place to live, put down roots. And many of their family still live here even today.”
The Pioneer Reunion itself began as an informal gathering — meant to bring the community together and celebrate its Western heritage. One of those early participants, Dr. David Greer, attended his first reunion back in 1938.
“It’s been a gathering of your friends and family every year,” Greer said. “Enjoyable to look forward to seeing people that you only see one time a year. They’d rather come here than go to their own personal family reunions. I think it’s just the heritage is the main thing. And that’s why we all gather together.”
Campbell, who also descends from the county’s pioneers, said that heritage and the strength of the Henrietta community are what keep the traditions of the reunion alive.
“It’s just a matter of heritage,” he said. “It’s a matter of — we don’t want to do anything to embarrass our history. We don’t do anything to embarrass our family. Certainly, our community. You know, community is important. It’s important from a patriotic standpoint. It’s important from a friendship standpoint. It’s important when we have trouble — we know that we can count on our friends right here at home.”
As the horses and riders clear the square, the focus now shifts to the reunion grounds — where rodeos, reunions and a full weekend of events will carry on the tradition first started generations ago.
The Pioneer Reunion runs through the weekend. The float parade will start Friday, September 19, at 10 a.m. in downtown Henrietta, along with a frog and terrapin race, the poetry contest and entertainment from the Navy Band.
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