Old Timer Days showcases tight-knit community

link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Crowds gather at Baxter Park in Melrose to watch the turtle races held Saturday morning. More than 60 turtles were signed up to race.

Staff writer

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Family and community are the first things that struck Patricia Murphy about the annual Old Timer Days festivities held Saturday in Melrose.

“I had no idea the community was so large and tightly knit.” said Murphy, a resident of Albuquerque, “It’s so great to see people of all ages gathered in the park.”

Murphy, who was in town to see her grandfather and parade grand marshal Bruce Murphy of Melrose said she enjoyed the atmosphere at the town’s Saturday events.

What started as a potluck dinner in 1954 is now a three day event for Melrose and Curry County citizens said James Townson, Melrose Chamber of Commerce president.

Townson said the festivities are a time for everyone to come and enjoy themselves, whether they’re long time citizens or visitors from out of town.

The Old Timer parade included more than 38 entries, said Townson, ranging from floats full of former Melrose classmates to motorcycles and first responders.

link Staff photo: Joshua Lucero

Whitley Burns, 6, of Lazy D’s Arena, throws candy from her bicycle Saturday morning during the Old Timer Days parade.

Onlookers lined Main Street as the parade made its way up the street and turned around for another pass.

Townson said the addition of the music festival on Friday and the rodeo, held Saturday and Sunday, have helped the event to grow to it’s current state.

Melrose graduating classes ending in the number “4” were present and participated in the parade.

Graduates from 2004 to 1964 were represented during the parade. Former residents and those visiting for the reunions tossed handfuls of candy to children with smiles on their faces.

The mid-morning turtle races drew crowds as children signed their prize turtles up to compete against each other. More than 60 turtles were signed up to race during the Saturday event.

Former resident Mike Murphy said he was glad to see old friends while he hung out with his father Bruce Murphy.

“Heritage is what I think of when I think about Old Timer Days,” said Murphy, who resides in Albuquerque.

Murphy added, “Most people grew up here and they’re proud of it.”

Murphy said he remembers going to Old Timer Days as a child growing up in Melrose, but it was never as big as it is now.

“There are more people here, it’s a bigger event. I think the park (Baxter Park) has allowed it to grow,” said Murphy.

Murphy said the events helped draw out just about everyone he knew from the community.

“Everyone is just having a good time,” said Murphy.