It takes a special person to sit on a cow hide pulled by a galloping horse, but the traditional hide ride at the Middletown Days gymkhana is always a big hit with the audience. The gymkhana runs all day Sunday following Saturday's parade, barbecue, ranch rodeo, and dance at the 49th annual Middletown Days celebration June 19 and 20, 2010. Courtesy photo.

This year’s theme is “Spirit of the Old West.”

The parade starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, with lineup beginning at 7 a.m. at Perry’s Deli on the south end of Middletown.

Entry forms are available by email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by calliing Susie Knowles at 707-987-3626.

Pick up forms at Lower Lake Feed and in Middletown at Hardester’s Market, CJS Ranch Supply, and Studio 175.

Get your entry in by June 13 to ensure a good spot in the parade lineup.

Parade entry cost is $5 for kids under 12, for $7 for adults, and $10 for organizations and groups.

Spectators should get to town by 9:30 a.m. to avoid getting caught in the detour traffic. Parking is available on all streets east of Highway 29, including a public parking lot at the corner of Washington and Douglas Streets. Parking will not be permitted on most streets west of the highway.

After the parade the fun moves to Middletown’s Central Park for a delicious country barbecue and the Ranch Rodeo. The rodeo starts at noon (signups at 11 a.m) and includes events such as mutton bustin’, junior hide ride, calf riding, a ribbon race, and a mystery event.

The traditional barbecue begins at noon and features tri-tip and chicken with all the trimmings, and the Cowboy Cafe will be open all day for hot dogs and hamburgers.

Parade awards and the karaoke contest start around 1 p.m. Vendors in the park include jumpy houses for the kids, lots of food, crafts and games.

As the sun goes down, it’s time to put on your dancing shoes for an evening under the stars with the Dave Russell Band. The dance starts at 8:30 p.m., and cost is $25 per couple, $15 for singles, and $10 for teens. Food, beer and other refreshments will be available in the park during the dance.

On Sunday morning, enjoy the annual Father’s Day Breakfast sponsored by the Middletown Lioness Club from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost is $7 for adults, $4 for kids 6 and under.

Then it’s on to some fun action in the arena with the gymkhana beginning at 11 a.m. (signups at 10 a.m.). Enter all five events in your age category for $30 for the day. There will be lots of great prizes.

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You never know what might happen in the annual Middletown Days parade, from a 4x4 pileup featuring the Lake County Crawlers to dancing horses and fairy tale characters. The parade takes place on Saturday, June 19, beginning at 10 a.m. along Highway 29 through downtown Middletown. Fun for the whole family follows at Middletown's Central Park on Saturday and Sunday. Courtesy photo.