sists of many rides and games , attracting more than 10,000 visitors each year .
Renovations made to the pavilion this year include a storage room , two offices , indoor bathrooms and 3,000 more square space , a project that cost about $ 5,000 .
MAKING MEMORIES
Modern day reunions have been extended with festivities to last all week long . One big change in 2017 was that the parade was on a Saturday , instead of during the week .
“ We wanted to have it on Saturday instead of during the week so more kids could come out and participate and watch ,” Parade coordinator Leanna Cowan said .
Parade participants make their way around the Alvarado square and continue on to the reunion grounds where the winners will be announced .
A barbecue cook-off with judging of brisket , pork ribs and chicken was also new in 2017 , along with a bakeoff that day , and sales of leftover sweets and barbecue .
“ The judges never see who brings in what — they just see a number on a box ,” she said . “ The public votes on showmanship . So if the contestants wear outfits or act silly they can win a prize for that , too .”
The queen contest brings a $ 1,000 scholarship for the firstplace winner .
Debra Stroud handled the queen contest for the first time in 2017 .
“ Ever since I can remember , my parents always had something for us to do , whether it was riding in
the parade or being a contestant in the queen contest ,” she said . “ I always enjoyed the camaraderie made in that short amount of time .”
Stroud said the contest prepares the women for bigger things . “ Over the years , the dresses have changed , but the pageant hasn ’ t changed any other way ,” she said . “ My goal is to get these girls on to Miss Texas . This helps them get their foot in the door .” Each year ’ s baby contest has two categories — walking to 2 1 / 2 and then 2 1 / 2 to 4 1 / 2 . Each group is limited to 100 participants . Each winner will receive $ 25 and a trophy . Nancy Owen of Alvarado said she was born into the reunion . “ I don ’ t think I have ever missed a reunion ,” she said . “ I used to help my mother who was the reunion secretary treasurer . Both of my parents were association directors . When my mom died a few years ago , I kind of took on her legacy .” Over the years , Owen said she has seen a decline in baby contestants . “ We don ’ t have as near as many babies entered ,” she said . “ I think so many moms work now . It used to be that moms stayed home and dad went to work . Now , both parents work and I think that might be a reason why we are seeing less babies each year .” Another long-standing tradition is the fiddle contest . Each year guests are asked to sign the reunion guest book , which is kept on a table near the northeast side entrance to the Pavilion building .
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