Hopalong Cassidy’s Creed For American Boys and Girls

Two years after I started working at the paper, I came to know William "Hopalong Cassidy" Boyd. Of all the cowboy memorabilia I've been exposed to, his "Creed For American Boys and Girls" has appealed to me the most.

I couldn't wait to have children to share this with them.

My sons now have a copy of these good words to live by.

1. The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. Be truthful at all times.

2. Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them and obey their instructions.

3. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. Show good manners in every way.

4. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don’t be lazy.

5. Your good deeds always come to light. So don’t boast or be a show-off.

6. If you waste time or money today, you will regret it tomorrow. Practice thrift in all ways.

7. Many animals are good and loyal companion. Be friendly and kind to them.

8. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat and clean.

9. Our country’s laws are made for your protection. Observe them carefully.

10. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than you. Be glad and proud you are an American.

Organizers are gearing up for the 21st Hopalong Cassidy Reunion this weekend at the Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center in Cambridge. William "Hopalong Cassidy" Boyd was born in Hendrysburg, in neighboring Belmont County, and went to school in Cambridge before his family moved West and he took up acting. Area resident Laura Bates, in 1991, set out to honor Boyd and started a Hoppy Fest, which evolved into a fan club that at one time had 500 members. The festival has waned over the years and more recently turned into a reunion held at the local civic center. Events start May 6 and run through May 7. For information, Call Bates, (740) 826-4850.

There will be another event in downtown Cambridge this year organized by former rodeo circuit promoter Art Postlethwait, called "Western Days," in which his newly-purchased authentic stagecoach will be featured in a parade in town on Saturday morning at 10. A western street fair with vendors, games, contests, demonstrations and public horseback riding runs til 5 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the  American Cancer Society's Relay For Life. For information, call Postlethwait, (740) 255-7052.

Giddy up boys and girls!

Courthouse holiday light show

The Guernsey County Courthouse holiday light show started running Thursday night and we've seen it twice already. We went back tonight to get some video to share and capture Lee conducting the "orchestra" and in this case "the choir" which he did last night too. An added element of excitement tonight was the cop car that zoomed up the Parkway. My kids love the light show. So do I. It's a great tourism tool for our tiny town. It brings bus loads of visitors to Cambridge in November and December. Oh, and did I mention the light show is secondary to the Dickens Victorian Village. But I'm not so much a fan of these heavily-clothed mannequins as I am the light show extravaganza. Unfortunately our camera (Nikon CoolPixL3) doesn't take very good video (video removed due to poor quality). Lee is conducting all the while but you can hardly see him there on the left. For more on Dickens and the light show, visit downtowncambridge.com