Monclova Homecoming to include parade, queen pageant

6/23/2010

A parade, silent auction, music, queen pageant, children's activities, and a beer garden are among the events planned for this year's Monclova Homecoming.

Sponsored by the Monclova Historical Foundation, the two-day event is to be held at the Monclova Community Center, 8115 Monclova Rd., which is operated by the foundation.

On July 9, the homecoming will be open from 6 to 11 p.m., and the Young Miss, Junior Miss, and Senior Miss Monclova pageants are from 6 to 7 p.m. Activities July 10, when the homecoming is to run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., include a parade at 11 a.m.

Proceeds from the event will be used to maintain the community center building and other projects. "We are still renovating this old school building," said Mary Kay, community center director. The homecoming is one of the foundation's major fund-raisers.

The to-do list includes additional parking; a foundation-owned vacant lot behind the center is under consideration as the site, she said.

The building's basement, which housed locker rooms, classrooms, a cafeteria, and a full gymnasium, is in "terrible condition," Ms. Kay said, but would take a considerable amount of money. "Always, there is something we need to do."

In 1997, through efforts of the newly formed Monclova Historical Foundation, along with support from the Monclova Township trustees and area residents, efforts began to renovate the former Monclova School, which is now the community center.

The school, abandoned in 1974 when a new elementary school was built, was deemed structurally sound and worth saving, and an intensive drive was begun to turn it into a community center. Through private donations and special events, money was raised to renovate the east wing and the main floor of the west wing.

Banquet and meeting facilities are available for rent, such as for wedding receptions, bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, and meetings.

Children's and youth activities include the YMCA Child Care Center and Boy and Girl Scout meetings. Senior citizens are served through the Monclova-Anthony Wayne Area Senior Center and Body Recall exercise program. Community education classes are offered as well.

- Janet Romaker