By JEFF BEIMS
Special to Hays Post
HERNDON — Herndon sits in a wide spot in the Beaver Valley in eastern Rawlins County. Tucked away from major highways, it’s a town the world seems to have forgotten. Unless you are one of the few that either still lives there, once called Herndon home or know someone who has, it’s just a dot on the map.
If you are a “Herndonite” either by birthright or by association, you know Herndon is a town of unique history and character, with a rebellious spirit. Every five years this little town hosts 2,500 of its best friends to celebrate that spirit.
The Herndon Ox Roast is a tribute to farm life, a family reunion, a homecoming and good ole country barbeque all rolled into one amazing day. It’s a chance to rekindle old friendships and begin new ones, to remember the good old days while appreciating the present, and to just relax and enjoy life for a day. Family and friends descend on the little community in such numbers the town actually has traffic problems!!
The festivities kick off with a rather large parade, then visitors are treated to the celebration’s namesake – a free lunch of pit-smoked beef with all the fixins’.
The afternoon is filled with live music, games and Herndon’s signature Outhouse Races…yes, you read that right…Outhouse Races!!! If you like watching “nature at work,” a game of cow patty bingo might interest you. The day wraps up with a street dance on Main Street.
If you’re from the area, then you probably already know to attend. If you want to experience small town life without pretense, then the Herndon Ox Roast is an absolute “Must Experience.”
We will all be there. You’re welcome to join us! We’d love to have you and show off our little town that the world forgot. By the way, we’re kinda glad they did.