Two Festivals – Two Great Opportunities! by Johanna Hicks

Two Festivals – Two Great Opportunities!

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Hopkins County is an active partner in helping promote community and economic development. You have probably read about the upcoming Dairy Festival. As a member of the board, I want to remind you about the many opportunities taking place June 12 thru June 20. The ribbon cutting will take place on Friday, June 12, which will serve as the kick-off for the week-long event. Be sure to join us at Shannon Oaks Church for the hot air balloon rally for an up-close look at some beautiful (and very large) balloons throughout the opening weekend, and cheer on the participants of the Milk Run as they take to the trail on Friday night.

Saturday, June 13 will feature the parade, dairy show, cow milking contest, and ice cream freeze off. The carnival will move in mid-week and continue through Saturday, June 20. Don’t forget to submit your written recipe on June 15 for the 2015 Dairy Recipe Contest. The actual contest will take place on Saturday, June 20. Actual dishes should be taken to the Extension Office between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. for judging to begin at 1:30. Results will be announced at approximately 2:45, depending on the number of entries. Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 for more information. The Dairy Festival will conclude with the 2015 Queen’s pageant, starting at 7:00 p.m.

You don’t want to miss a single event of the 2015 Hopkins County Dairy Festival! Check out the website for various registration forms and a full list of activities.

Another festival that is rapidly approaching is the 3rd Annual Hopkins County Tomato Festival. This event has grown with each year, and we hope to make 2015 even better! Sponsored by the Hopkins County Extension Office, Master Gardeners, and Master Wellness Volunteers, this festival is slated for Saturday, June 27, 6:00 p.m. at Celebration Plaza. There are two main components of the festival: tomato growing contest and tomato recipe contest.

The Tomato Recipe has an entry division for all age groups: children ages 12 & under; youth ages 13 – 18; and adults ages 19 & up. Categories are: Main Dish, Side Dish or Salsa. There is no cost to enter. All dishes must be maintained at a safe temperature because judges will sample each dish. Home canned salsas must be preserved using approved home canning procedures. Entries should be taken directly to Celebration Plaza between 5:30 and 5:45 for judging to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Watch for more details in the coming weeks!

Twogether in Texas Marriage Education Workshop

Help spread the word! This popular workshop has been well-attended (9 couples registered in June, 8 couples registered in May), but if you missed the first two sessions, don’t worry! Two more are on the schedule in 2015.

The next workshop is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3:30 p.m. at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200-B W. Houston in Sulphur Springs. Engaged couples will receive a certificate to save $60 upon applying for a marriage license, which is a definite plus!

Topics covered in the workshop are: marriage expectations, communication, conflict resolution, money management, and goals & dreams. This is one of my favorite workshops to lead! We use hands-on activities, couple discussions, video, and guided group discussions – nothing boring here!

The workshop is free, but the value of the session is recognized by the State of Texas. Contact the Extension Office at 903-885-3443 to sign up.

Closing Thought

“ Help me, Oh Lord, to live so that the world may be a little better, for Thou didst make me. Amen” – 4-H Prayer

Johanna Hicks

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Family & Consumer Sciences

1200-B W. Houston

P.O.Box 518

Sulphur springs, TX 75483

903-885-3443 – phone

903-439-4909 – Fax

[email protected]

Author: Staff Reporter

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