Cowboy Christmas today, rain or shine

Organizers of the Wharton Cowboy Christmas say the show will not only go on as advertised today, but will be expanded in light of possible inclement weather.

"We're adding a Rain Parade," said Doc Blakely, one of the organizers, "and will give prizes to kids for the 'Best Puddle Stomper,' 'Worst Poncho or Raincoat,' 'Gaudiest Rubber Boots' and the 'Ugliest Umbrella.'"

He added that the parade will take place at 3:23 p.m., "at which time we expect a shower of undetermined intensity."

The rain won't drown out the promised snow, Blakely stresses. He said the snow storm will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. under a large tent at the Gazebo.

"Building a snowman is encouraged, but throwing of snowballs at parents or grandparents is strictly forbidden," Blakely said, laughing.

"And remember that Caney Creek Church, right on the square, will be open all day for a rest area, fiddle contest, and available as a back-up for any events that absolutely need to be moved inside.

"So come on out. We're celebrating Christmas with a Rain Parade and Snow Storm, but there's plenty of warm, dry places to eat, drink and shop in between events."

2007 Cowboy Christmas

(In case of inclement weather, all activities will be relocated to Caney Creek Church on Milam Street on the north side of the square):

Today

• 9 a.m. - Farmers Market. Vegetables and related products available for purchase.

• 10 a.m. - Entertainment begins, in the street in front of the Plaza Theatre and the Gazebo. Continues throughout the day. Children's choirs from local schools and others perform at the Gazebo.

• 12:30 p.m. - Snow blowing machine begins to lay down snow at Gazebo area (a tent will cover the area in case of rain).

• 1 p.m. - Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo clowns, face painters, ropers and children's game leaders, 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.

• 2:30 p.m. - Pet Parade at the Gazebo. Registration for Old Time Fiddler's Contest at Caney Creek Church, north side of square.

• 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 musical background. If raining, this will shift to Caney Creek Church.

• 3:23 p.m. - Rain Parade at the Gazebo. Prizes for Best Puddle Stomper, Worst Poncho or Raingear, Largest Rubber Boots and Ugliest Umbrella.

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. Caney Creek Church is again the back up in case of inclement weather.