The 17th Annual Tarkington Roundup benefiting the Tarkington Student Foundation is this Saturday, Oct. 5, at Tarkington Middle School, FM 163.
The Roundup is sponsored by the Tarkington Student Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides funding to all graduating Tarkington students who pursue any form of post-secondary education.
All current and former students, teachers, administrators, community members and anyone with an interest in Tarkington are invited to attend this fun-filled day of activities, nostalgia and reunion as Tarkington celebrates its past, present and future.
The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with registration for the Tarkington Stampede 5K Fun Run/Walk. At 8 a.m. the run/walk will begin. Entry is $20 per person. Awards will be given to the winners during the Roundup. Sign up by contacting Angela Hollingsworth at angelahollingsworth@campgladiator.com or 936-402-3331.
At 10 a.m., the Fourth Annual Tarkington Showcase of Talent will begin on the grounds outside the middle school. Performances will include the Tarkington Intermediate Choir, Tarkington Middle School Band, Tarkington High School Thundering Horns Band and the Tarkington High School Jazz Band.
“We will also be featuring talent from area musicians and other talent. We encourage anyone with a talent to come out and share it with the community. This showcase is open to everyone,” said Lisa Stephens, THS principal, in an emailed press release.
If you have a church choir that is itching to spread the gospel of Christ, you are welcome to perform. If you are a gymnast, singer, dancer, musician or have another talent, sign up to participate. For more information on the talent show, contact Mollie Lambert at 713-446-3442. Spots are filling up fast, so don’t delay.
One of the highlights of the day is the annual karaoke competition. In its eighth year, the competition provides a platform for anyone who wants to sing. The cost is $5 a tune and the audience will cast their votes at a cost of $1 a vote. If you think someone is better off not singing, then you can cast a negative vote for $1. Trophies for the best in Tarkington karaoke will be presented.
Starting at 10 a.m., DeMontrond Ford of Cleveland will host Drive 4 UR School, a test-driving fundraiser that provides $20 to Tarkington Student Foundation for every test-drive taken. This is an opportunity to try out some great Ford vehicles with no obligation to buy and no calls from salesmen. For more information on this program, contact Lisa Stephens at 281-592-7739 or send email to lstephens@tarkingtonisd.net.
Throughout the day vendors will be set up on the grounds of Tarkington Middle School. Project Graduation students will be selling food and drinks and sponsoring carnival-style games.
The Tarkington Community Library will have a book fair with good bargains on books. A silent auction inside the cafetorium area at Tarkington Middle School will raise money for the Library. The Library also is sponsoring craft vendors. Interested vendors should contact 281-592-5136 for more information.
Cleveland Rotary Club members will be selling tickets for its annual 4-wheeler raffle. The proceeds from the raffle benefit the Rotary Club’s scholarship program.
Sponsors for last year’s event include Anderson Ford (now DeMontrond Ford), J. and Susan Rice, Tommy and Donna Dunn, Martin Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Mollie Cohn Lambert PLLC, Kenneth Riggs, Green Bank, Sears Hometown Store, Steve Primeaux, Prosperity Bank, Cook Construction and Tarver Abstract.
For updates on the event, follow Tarkington Roundup on Facebook.