October 2, 2023 – Hopkins County Chamber Connection submitted by Butch Burney
Stew Goody Bags
Businesses who want to get their message out to 400 stew cooks and judges have until noon Friday, Oct. 6, to bring their promotional items to the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce at 110 Main St. Our goody bags will go out to about 350 cooks and almost 50 judges for stew, appetizer and campsite contests. There is one catch – you must be a Chamber member to participate in the goody bag promotion. Good thing is, we can sign you up as a Chamber member in just a matter of minutes. For more information, contact [email protected] or call us at 903-885-6515.
Eclipse News
After three great meetings last week with restaurants, churches and schools regarding the Total Solar Eclipse of 2024, the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce will host a meeting with retail business owners and managers at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, in the Chamber’s Conference Room. We will talk about the Eclipse, which will happen on Monday, April 8, 2024, and their role in preparing for the thousands of visitors that will be in Hopkins County. So, if you own or manage a retail store, please make plans to attend the meeting.
Cocktails and Conversation
We will kick off our Cocktails and Conversation, the new name for our revamped Business After Hours, with The Tipsy Oak Lounge, a great new spot inside The Oaks Bed and Breakfast on Oak Avenue. Cocktails and Conversation will last from 5-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, so drop by for a casual networking event. You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.
Stew News
Tickets and shirts are now on sale, so get yours now! Tickets are $8 each for those 13 and over. Children 12 years and younger will eat free this year, thanks to Signature Solar’s sponsorship, but they still need a ticket. Tickets can be purchased online at HopkinsChamber.org or at the Chamber office, 110 Main St. Tickets can also be purchased at our financial institutions which include Alliance Bank, City National Bank, First National Bank of East Texas, Guaranty Bank and Trust, Pilgrim Bank, Red River Credit Union, and Texas Heritage National Bank T-shirts are now available at the Chamber office for just $25 in adult sizes S-XXL. We will also be getting in other merchandise as the Oct. 28 stew date draws closer. The 54th Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, has been able to keep its costs down because of our generous businesses in the community, and the cost just got even cheaper for some families. Signature Solar and the Chamber announced that children 12 and under will eat free at the festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, due to Signature Solar’s generous sponsorship. Children will still need tickets, which can be obtained either online or via paper tickets. One Church announced last week that they will sponsor the Fun Zone, which includes Gellyball, bounce houses and kids’ games. That means free fun for children, thanks to One Church’s generous sponsorship!
City National Bank will be sponsoring the Friday night festivities, Oct. 27, which will include our appetizer contest and concert by Dubb and the Luv Machines! Thanks to all of our sponsors who make the stew festival affordable for families in Hopkins County. Follow the Chamber’s Instagram and Facebook accounts for spotlights on our sponsors and updates on the stew festival.
Main Street Uncorked
Main Street Uncorked Wine and Music Festival comes to downtown on Oct. 14, from 1-7 p.m. Enjoy wine from some of the best Texas wineries, shop local vendors and enjoy talented musical artists. Jeb Brooks Band will perform from 1-3 p.m., and Nevermind will be on stage from 4-7 p.m. Tickets are available at MainStreetUncorkedSS.com from $10. Tickets at the door are $15.
Fall Festival
The Fall Festival is coming in October. The Homecoming Carnival is Oct. 11-15, while the parade (from Buford Park to Brookshire’s) will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21. Trade and vendor booths, a kids’ zone, creative art contest and craft show will all be conducted Friday, Oct. 27 to Saturday, Oct. 28. Ribeye Roundup Bet your appetites ready for the NetBio Cattleman’s Classic Ribeye Roundup, back on Celebration Plaza on Saturday, Oct. 7. The steak dinner starts at 6:30 p.m., with a concert at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased at Texas Heritage National Bank. VIP tickets are $100 each.
Homecoming Parade
The Dial Study Club Homecoming Parade, presented by Triple Crown Roofing, will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. All SSISD student organizations and sports teams are encouraged to join. If your business would like to sponsor, contact any Dial member or call 903-243-4138.
Ribbon Cutting
Studio 9 Hair Designs will host a ribbon cutting at their new location, 416 Hillcrest Drive South, at noon Wednesday, Oct. 4. Please join us for their event.
