Cowboy Christmas schedule of events

The 2007 Cowboy Christmas will be held Saturday and Sunday in downtown Wharton. Here is a tentative schedule of planned events (in case of inclement weather, all activities will be relocated to Caney Creek Church on Milam Street on the north side of the square):

Saturday

• 9 a.m. - Farmers Market kicks off on Houston Street. Vegetables and related products available for purchase.

• 10 a.m. - Entertainment begins in the street in front of the Plaza Theatre and the Gazebo and continues throughout the day.

• 12:30 p.m. - Snow blowing machine begins to lay down snow at Gazebo area. Wharton County Timewalkers begin gun-fights in downtown area.

• 1 p.m. - Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo clowns, ropers, musicians and children game leaders perform in the street around the Gazebo.

• 1:45 p.m. - Snow storm completed near Gazebo.

• 2 p.m. - Pat Herring's choir group performs at the Gazebo. Pam Hubenak performs. Elves may appear.

• 2:30 p.m. - Pet Parade begins at Prosperity Bank parking lot. Registration for Old Time Fiddler's Contest begins at Caney Creek Church.

• 3 p.m. - Fiddler's Contest. See www.texasoldtimefiddlers. org for general info. Click on events for divisions and prize money. Contest continues throughout the day and culminates with finalists and Grand Champion in the evening. Time depends on number of fiddlers entered.

• 3:05 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Gazebo (courtesy Jack Mayes, www.whartontexaschristmas.com). Pam Hubenak provides live background music.

Sunday

• 9 a.m. - Cowboy Church. Biscuits, gravy and coffee around the chuck wagon. Music, singing and preaching by real cowboys. Saloons closed until noon. Check guns at the wagon.