So bust out those boots, grab your hat and don’t forget to bring your dancing partner to the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center for one heck of a good time.

Doors open at 8 a.m. with registration for oldest woman and man in attendance, and couple married the longest.

The Temple Daily Telegram has sponsored the event since 1931 to honor area pioneers, meaning anyone who has lived in the area for more than 50 years. Traditionally, Pioneer Day is celebrated on the Saturday before the anniversary of the founding of the city of Temple - June 29. The Mayborn Center is at 3303 N. Third St. in Temple. Admission is free and although Pioneer Day honors 50-year residents of the area, everyone is invited to attend.

Sam Farrow will once again emcee the event as he has for close to 30 years.

The dancing kicks off at about 8:30 a.m. with Farrow taking the stage and introducing the bands and the day’s events.

“Fortunately, I don’t have to do a lot of talking,” Farrow said. “I’m just expected to fill in the gaps between the performers.”

To help fill the time Farrow brings his trusty almanacs filled with tidbits of history about Temple and Bell County. The one thing he doesn’t do - jokes.

“I decided many years ago that I wasn’t very good at that,” Farrow said. “I don’t worry about the jokes. I let the real entertainers entertain.”

All the performers at Pioneer Day work at the event without charge, a kindness that may be considered out-of-the-ordinary anywhere else.

“I would imagine it’s rare, pretty unusual,” Farrow said. “It’s something that develops pride in a community and builds spirit and goodwill.”

Local entertainers scheduled to perform include Madlyon Oppermann and the Texas Rose Band with Shorty Grisham, Fred Fuller and the BellJam Band, Cody Culp and James Edds and the Beseda Dance Group.

rrenfrow@temple-telegram.com