In 1880, Mexican soldiers killed Apache chief Victorio, Thomas Edison tested an electric railway and Wabash, Indiana became the first city in the world to be lighted electrically. 

And in North Texas back in 1880, residents of Leonard were preparing to celebrate the first Leonard Picnic. 

According to Volume One of the History of Leonard, Texas, the first picnic was an opportunity to celebrate the sale of the first lots in a new town created because of the extension of the Katy Railroad from Whitewright to Mineola.

Over the years, the Leonard Picnic has became as much of a mid-summer homecoming as a carnival and organizers of the 130th Leonard Picnic are welcoming visitors, former residents and residents alike for three exciting days of contests, entertainment and carnival rides.

Everything starts Thursday, July 16 with Kid's Night, a Grand Ole Opry Show by First Baptist Church of Leonard and Performances by Tom Hackney and Band.  July 16 is also arm band night.

Action on Friday starts early with an 8:00 a.m. golf tournament.  An adult/child fishing tournament is slated to run from 4:00 p.m. until dark and a hot dog eating contest begins at 6:30 p.m. 

On Saturday, breakfast on the Leonard Square is scheduled for 7:00-9:00 a.m. and a parade around historic downtown Leonard begins at 9:30 a.m.  The All-School Reunion will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Everyone always looks forward to the Fireman's Barbeque and it is scheduled for 5:00-7:00 p.m.   Marty Page performs from 8:00-10:00 p.m. and then the fireworks extravaganza concludes the activities with a blaze of color.

Complete Schedule

 130^th annual Leonard picnic slated July 16-18

Thursday, July 16^th – Kids Night

(Kids Activities Begin at 6:30 p.m. at the City Park)

~        Baby Crawl and Toddler Race

~        Hula Hoop Contest and Jump Rope Contest

~        Parent Child Three Legged Race and Parent Child Water Balloon Toss

~        Trippy The Clown

~        Arm Band Night

~        8:00 p.m.  – Entertainment Including a Grand Ole Opry Show by First Baptist Church of Leonard and Performances by Tom Hackney and Band

Friday, July 17^th

~        8:00 a.m. - Golf Tournament

~        4:00 p.m. until Dark – Adult Child Fishing Tournament (catch and release)

~        6:30 p.m. – Hot Dog Eating Contest sponsored by Sonic of Leonard

~        Carnival

~        8:00 p.m. - Performances by Fakie and Sabine’s

Saturday, July 18^th

~        7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast on the Square by Sabine’s Rockin’ Café

~        8:00 a.m. – noon – “Big Bag Of Books Sale” at the Library

~        9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Parade around Historic Downtown Leonard

~        11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – All School Reunion

~        5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Fireman’s Barbeque and the Preservation League

Pie and Cake Auction on the Square

~        5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – “Goodies Sale” Proceeds Go To The Library (including brownies, cookies, etc)

~        Carnival

~        6:30 p.m. - Homemade Ice Cream (City Park)

~        6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Domino Tournament (City Park)

~        8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Performance by Marty Page

~        10:00 p.m. – Fireworks Extravaganza Sponsored by B&B Food Store (City Park) 

 

For more details, contact Butch at 903-449-9199 or hendersonb@cityofleonard.net or Elaine at 903-815-3218 or depeebles@netexas.net between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.