http://www.dalhart.org/visit/sites.htm ENTERTAINMENT
The Mission Twin Theatre located in Downtown Dalhart has 2 screens showing 2 new movies Tuesday through Sunday starting at 7:00 pm. Call the movie line at 806-249-4241 for current movie information.
The Dalhart Bowl (249-6316) on Highway 54 West provides bowling fun for the entire family for a fun night out or sign up for leagues and tournaments throughout the year.
The XIT Museum (806-244-5390) offers a taste of the pioneer West through historical and period exhibits, farming and ranching displays, and extensive photographic documentation of bi-county history. The museum partners with local schools and art teachers to offer a visiting artist program. The newest exhibit at the museum will feature wildlife that are native to the area, some that are rare; the exhibit will also include hands-on learning activities.
The XIT Rodeo and Reunion, held the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday in August each year, is a three-day festival of nonstop fun and good food. It hosts the world's largest free barbecue and includes one of the Panhandles largest street parades, nightly dances, a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo, performances by famed country and western entertainment, and more. For more information, call 806-244-5646 or click here for event schedule
The La Rita Performing Arts Theatre (806-244-6222) at 311 Denrock Avenue is a beautifully restored, 1930s period theatre offering community theater productions and other performing arts events. Built by W.L. (Wally) Hamilton as a movie theater, management of the La Rita was purchased by J.C. Parker. Mr. Parker had the theater remodeled in the summer of 1942. The seating capacity was increased, including 40 "love" seats. Air conditioning, new sound equipment and new projection equipment were installed, making the facility one of the most modern in the Southwest.
Tours of the facility are available if you call ahead. Tickets for events can be purchased at the door or in advance through the Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce office (806-244-5646).
The Dallam-Hartley County Library boasts more than 28,000 volumes, along with access to millions more through the Texas Panhandle Library System. The two counties split library costs. You can reach the library at 806-244-2761.
RECREATION
The Dalhart Country Club, (806-244-5596) on Highway 54 West, is a private country club offering an attractive, 18-hole golf course with a pro shop open year round, a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and concessions.
City Parks, (806-244-5511). The City of Dalhart maintains five beautiful parks in various locations for residents and visitors to use and enjoy. The Swimming Pool Park at Tennessee & 16th Street, has a newly renovated outdoor swimming pool, sand volleyball courts, basketball courts, playground equipment, picnic tables and newly added skate park. The Veterans Memorial Park at 7th & Rock Island, is home to the Dallam/Hartley Counties Veterans Memorial. This park features a walking trail, picnic areas, playground equipment and gazebo, perfect for gatherings. The Kella Hill Park at Kendrick and 3rd Streets, also features a gazebo, walking trails, picnic tables and playground equipment. The North Side Park at Dodson & Dallam Streets, has half court basketball, walking trails, playground equipment and picnic tables. Four tennis courts located at the Dalhart High School on 16th Street are available for public use.
The Lake Rita Blanca Park, located on FM 281, was once the northernmost state park in Texas, but is now owned and maintained by the City of Dalhart. Located on Farm to Market Road 281, Lake Rita Blanca is a prime recreational spot for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors. The park has a 150-acre lake surrounded by 1,668 acres of fun. The lake is an excellent location for bird viewing throughout the year, but during the winter months it is beyond compare. The hiking/biking/horse trails around the area make it perfect for wildlife viewing. The lake area is available for tent camping; the fee is $3. The City has made many improvements including new restrooms, new playground equipment and better hiking/biking/riding trails and roads. The City plans to continue improving the lake area by adding lookouts for bird watching and adding more signs to aid park visitors.
The newest addition to the Lake Rita Blanca is the Picnic Pavilion Park. This contemporary park features a large covered pavilion with picnic tables and a stage area. The newly constructed state-of-the-art play equipment includes two rock climbing walls and a moving stepping stone entrance, perfect for all ages. This area is closed to the public at 10 p.m. nightly. For further information, contact the City of Dalhart at 806-244-5511.
The Rita Blanca National Grasslands (505-374-9652) are managed by the United States Forest Service and encompass 77,463 acres in Texas, along with 15,860 adjacent acres in Oklahoma. Each year recreation at the national grasslands continues to grow. Visitors hike, bird watch, hunt, ride horses, use off-road vehicles in designated areas or simply enjoy the outdoors. Picnic facilities are available at Thompson Grove, about 14 miles northeast of Texline, Texas.
Youth and Adult Association Leagues offer league play and tournaments for the whole family. Adult Summer Softball, youth football, baseball and much more is offered in Dalhart. The City of Dalhart recently renovated the little league ballparks and added two new adult softball fields complete with restroom facilities and a concession stand.
MONUMENTS
The Sesquicentennial Monument was erected outside the Dallam County Courthouse in 1986 in celebration of both the state sesquicentennial and the 50th anniversary of the XIT Rodeo and Reunion. The granite monument depicts the state outline highlighted by the XIT Ranch shape.
Dalhart's Empty Saddle Monument, just north of the Highway 87 underpass, commemorates the pioneers who died settling the Panhandle. The empty saddle is symbolic of all the cowhands and pioneers who built the town. The monument was designed by local artist Bobby Dycke and built in 1940.
The James R. Fox Memorial was erected in 2003 outside the Dallam County Courthouse. Donated to the City by the Peoples Republic of China, the monument is in remembrance of James R. Fox, who flew rescue missions during World War II for the Hump Pilots Association.
The Veterans Memorial Park, formerly known as 7th Street Park, now features The Dallam/Hartley Counties Veterans Memorial. This was a grassroots project that began with an idea and was funded by donations from the community. The memorial will honor all who served our country in all branches of the military in peacetime or wartime. The entry to the memorial honors those who were killed or are missing in action. In addition to the stones containing the names of our veterans, three stones will give a brief history of the U.S. Wars and conflicts. The memorial is lighted for nighttime viewing. This is a perpetual care memorial, so names will continue to be added as men and women from the area continue to serve our country.
