Clovis' Old Timers say that the miraculous,
magnificent old custom of the forties, fifties,
and sixties...somehow ended back there in the
mists of time...no one seems to know exactly
when...
Mil is not sure just when either. But there IS
good news. It is being revived once again
(since 2014) each year---on the last weekend
in June. Even if only for a few days...
It seems to be growing more popular each
year. It is augmented by and popular with car collectors/restorers/hot rod enthusiasts, and
motorcyclists.
This year the thing seemed to expand big-
time with the vacant fields behind the Junior
High School, down toward old Wildcat Field
and the old lake...lined up by the scads with
beautiful restored cars. They were all nicely
waxed and shining.
I've heard tell that there were a lot of hamburger
stands here and there this year! Wow! What fun!
Bob Snipes worked hard to get a good story
for MIL'S....he tells us:
"There were three high school classes that
scheduled their reunions during the Dragging
Main Celebration. One of the attached photos
is the yellow bus, rented by the CHS '77 class.
Since there were three reunions going on and
dragging, we decided to put a sign on our car
saying "CHS '53." We picked up a friend from
our class, Diane (Curry) Burns, and had a great
time dragging ol' Main and remembering water
fights and other escapades that took place on
the Red Bricks...back in the forties.
We didn't get out and walk---we just drove
around absorbing the grand event. When we
were stopped in traffic, I'd jump out and grab
a photo or two. I tried to get a shot or two
showing the beloved old HOTEL CLOVIS,
(1931.)
There were dozens of beautiful Hot Rod and
Customized cars...really nice stuff! And there
seemed to be scads of eating vendors, selling
everything from pizzas to hot dogs to funnel
cakes!
The sidewalks were lined with people. Parking
lots along and behind Main were filled. The
photos cannot catch the real magnitude of the
size of the promotion."
Bobby Joe ends his neat description of the
event with this paragraph. (He and Betty
live on Pile, one block east...)
"When we went home about nine o'clock the
traffic was backed up way past Marshall
Junior High on down toward the lake, and out
on Commerce Way also. The promoters really
did a good job. They are to be commended.
(We headed on home to our soft easy chairs,
and then turned in about midnight and the fun
lasted on past 12:00. Betty could hear them
from our house.")
Thanks Bob for a fine write-up.
---------------
Next year, 2018, the Red Bricks of Main
Street will be 100 years old. Wonder if that'll
play big in the "Fifth Annual Main Dragging"
Event?
----------------
By BOBBY JOE SNIPES,
AND MIL
JULY 4, 2017
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
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