Hopkins County Fall Festival Arts & Craft Show: Coming Soon
By Savannah Owens
Get ready for October 27th and 28th, the Hopkins County Fall Festival and Extension Agency are hosting the Arts and Craft Show! The show will be held from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Oct. 27th and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Oct. 28th in the Sulphur Springs High School Cafeteria and North Entry. The Arts and Craft Show is completely free to get in and open for anyone!
Vendors can bring their homemade, non-commercial, items to sell, and customers can enjoy two days full of exciting finds. KSST sat down with Johanna Hicks, chairwoman for this event, to talk about the upcoming Arts and Craft Show. There are still many good vendor spaces available both indoors and outdoors. “I have 5 spaces under the covered walkway outside [in the North Entrance]” Hicks explained. These spots will go fast, so if your interested make sure to turn in your application to Johanna Hicks by October 9th. Vendors have said “It’s one of the best shows” to attend. “The vendor fees are much lower than most.” Hicks added.
People can expect all kinds of exiting items from food, to quilts, soap, to jewelry, wreaths, and so much more! Hicks said her favorite part was definitely “The shopping! I love seeing all the beautiful things, and it’s good to see the new and familiar faces when visiting with all the vendors. I really enjoy the whole atmosphere.” The Arts and Craft Show is even a good time to do some “early Christmas shopping” done! Hicks explained the usual theme was for people to scout out the different booths on Friday and then come back to purchase goods on Saturday.
If you are a food vendor, keep in mind you must have a food handler’s license. If you would like some help getting a free food handlers license, or would like to sign up as a vendor contact Johanna Hicks at the AgriLife Extension Office.
Want even more information about the Arts and Craft Show? Keep an eye out for Johanna Hicks article coming out Friday, Sept. 29th.
Game Day: Wildcat Football; Lady Cat Volleyball
The Wildcats’ football team will play their fourth game of the season at Whitehouse Friday night (September 22). Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. It’s Homecoming for Whitehouse. Both teams come into this non-district game with a 2-1 record. The Wildcats defeated Sherman and Avalon of Maryland before losing to Paris last week. Whitehouse got wins over Hallsville and Tyler Chapel Hill and then last week lost to Carthage, the #1 ranked team in Class 4A. The Whitehouse Head Football Coach is Adam Cook, in his fifth year. He was an assistant coach at Whitehouse for seven years before that. Wildcats Football Coach is native son Greg Owens, in his twelfth year. Coach Cook is a perfect 5-0 against the Wildcats. Coach Owens has a 5-8 record against Whitehouse. Whitehouse has won the last six meetings including last year’s game at Prim Stadium, 49-31. The Wildcats open district play next week while it will be another three weeks before district play begins for Whitehouse. We will have all the football action of Wildcats’ football tonight on KSST Radio. We will also videotape the game for replay at a later date on Channel 18 on Suddenlink Cable.
Meanwhile the Lady Cats’ volleyball team will also be on the road as they play a district match at Greenville. It starts at 4:30 p.m. Friday (September 22). The Lady Cats are 1-2 in district play and they won earlier this week at Mt. Pleasant. The Lady Cats come into tonight’s match with an 18-12 season record.
Senior Citizen’s Center Fundraiser includes…Calendars?
Senior Citizen’s Center
150 Martin Luther King Blvd
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
(903) 885-1661
“Sip N See” at Historic Home is Next Stop on Lights of Life Campaign Trail
A little bit like a “show and tell”, the “Sip N See” fundraising event on September 28 will allow you to take a guided tour of a historic home and enjoy a special evening with friends. Meredith Caddell and her Lights of Life committee have arranged this peek into one of the most beautifully restored homes in Sulphur Springs as a fundraiser for hospital needs. Reservations are recommended by September 27 by calling the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation office 903-438-4799.
Meredith Caddell, Executive Director of Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation
The home of Dr. Scott and Deanna McDearmont at 729 Church Street in Sulphur Springs was built in 1897 and formerly owned by doctors, government officials and judges. The gracious structure features lovingly preserved woodwork throughout the home. The McDearmonts purchased the home in recent years and continue in the painstaking restoration process. They will open their doors at 6pm on September 28 with local historian John Sellers serving as tour guide. A second group tour may follow. Appetizers and adult beverages will be provided by local vendors. Admission is a $25 donation, payable at the door, with proceeds going to the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation.
The successful Lights of Life Style Show earlier in September was the first in the series for the campaign. Still ahead this Fall is a Quarter Auction, the “Fly Your Flag” local collegiate contest, the Christmas Tree Lighting in the hospital gardens and the Lights of Life Gala on January 27, 2018 with a “Jewel of the Nile” theme. A few tickets to the Gala are still available by calling 903-438-4799. The fundraising goal for this year’s campaign is $400,000.
Tira News September 22, 2017
By Jan Vaughn
Jason Beck, son of Lee & Kim Beck, just got his transfer to Washington, D.C. from Norfolk, VA. He will be serving his country in Naval Intelligence. Kim says, “Go Navy!” She also reports, “Maddie Beck is enjoying her senior year at TCU. Go Hornfrogs! Jackson Dailey is getting ready to test for his Real Estate license, working full time and taking classes for his Masters in History at UT San Antonio. Go Roadrunners! Our sweet daughter-in-law, Courtney Dailey, has finished her summer internship at the U.S. Attorneys office & has begun her 2nd year at St Mary’s University Law School. Go Rattlers!”
Many thanks to Alliance Bank for providing hot dogs, chips, and water at the Elementary Math Night at North Hopkins School.
Sherry Smiddy and Powell Vickery enjoyed a surprise visit from David and Deanna Vickery on Saturday afternoon. Daylee Fite went to the Rains County Fair on Saturday and spent the night with Kayleigh Tew at Sheila Jenkins’ house. They got to listen and dance to the Jason Walden Band and went to church on Sunday. Powell and Sherry’s grandson, Brayden Vickery was baptized on Sunday at the Cross Spur Cowboy Church. Sherry comments, “It was a beautiful good week-end in Tira, Texas.”
Linda Parsons shared that Buddy got strep last week and was off from school for several days. She learned from the school nurse that students have to be fever free for 24 hours without fever medication prior to returning to school. Linda commented that “lots of kids are sick right now and thought this info worth repeating.”
Early voting is going on for the North Hopkins ISD Tax “swap” Ratification Election (TRE) in the main office from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. weekdays and until 5:00 p.m. on October 2nd. Election day for the TRE is October 6, 2017 in the Board Room of the Administration Building, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The North Hopkins Alumni Association will have their annual school.
homecoming on Saturday, October 14, 2018. Registration and bingo will begin at 4:30, followed by a barbecue meal at 5:30 in the school cafeteria. The cost for the meal is $12.50 per person and may be paid at the door. After the meal there will be a program honoring the Classes of 1967, 1977, and 1987 for their 50-, 40-, and 30-year reunion, and then the Monday Night Jam Band will provide entertainment, while ex-students enjoy listening and visiting. Please help spread the word to all former North Hopkins students and staff.
I always need and appreciate input from my friends to help keep me informed of news in our community. If you have any news pertaining to Tira residents, past or present, please contact me, Jan Vaughn, at 903-945-2190 or 903-438-6688 or [email protected].
Livestock Shows By Mario Villarino
Livestock Show Season
Raising and exhibiting a livestock project is not only instructional, concerning raising livestock for show, but also serves as an excellent teaching tool to illustrate livestock production techniques and animal science principles. Participating in a livestock project promotes sound livestock production practices. To be successful, families need to start by learning the essentials. Some of the major areas include: livestock/animal health, nutrition, facilities, behavior, reproduction, genetics, selection and handling.
From here, students will become life-long learners of agriculture. Principles learned regarding livestock production will be applicable to the student’s life. For example, a student can learn about balancing a cattle diet with protein and carbohydrates to add or reduce body fat of breeding females. Of course, it makes sense the same student will be able to apply these principles to his/her own diet to lead to a healthier lifestyle.
More importantly, the students learn about ethically producing a quality protein source for all consumers. One of the programs we use to teach ethics, quality assurance, and decision making is “Quality Counts”. Quality Counts verification is required to exhibit livestock at all major livestock shows in Texas and at the NETLA show in Hopkins County. The livestock project engages the student throughout the process.
The livestock show is not the end of the livestock experience, but rather, a beginning – opening the door to valuable opportunities. 4-H Youth Livestock offers many methods to enhance and grow your experience. As students progress through the program gaining knowledge we hope they will cultivate a passion for sharing. Students share gained knowledge through educational presentations, mentorship of novice 4-H youth, speech competitions and media sources. For some, basic understanding of livestock projects is not enough, and they seek advanced training and competitions.
How can your family start to get involved in livestock projects? As new families learn about the benefits of participating thru a livestock project is important to do some planning so the family understand the type of involvement required to raise a livestock project. The first step is to contact a 4-H leader or FFA mentor. In Texas, youth livestock exhibitor programs are structured based on these two youth organizations. A lot of planning, understanding and learning must happen even before a project animal is selected. 4-H is the largest youth organization in the United States of America.
Every 4-H program is coordinated thru the local County Extension Office (Hopkins County Extension Office is located at 1200B Houston Street, Telephone number 903-885-3443). 4-H is organized in clubs, with a youth leader conducting meetings and providing know-how support for the projects. Many 4-H leaders have personal experiences showing livestock. A quick phone call to the Extension Office (903-885-3443) or visit to the extension Office can start the process. Enrollment is required to participate in 4-H sponsored events.
FFA chapter may be chartered in any public school with an agricultural education program. Leadership is provided by student officers who are elected each year by the chapter’s members, and by the agriculture teacher who serves as the advisor for the chapter. If you are interested in learning more about FFA, contact an agricultural teacher to learn more about it.
Hopkins County Junior Livestock Show
An important requirement for showing livestock projects is having the project validated. The validation process is the declaration and presentation of a project by an exhibitor. Depending of the show, the requirements for validation might be specific. Here the dates for the 2018 NETLA Livestock Show:
- NETLA Lamb and Goat Validation: October 19th, 2017 at the Regional Civic Center 5:00 to 7:00 PM
- NETLA Steer and State Heifer Validation: October 23, 2017 5:00 to 6:30 PM at Dairy Health Services.
- NETLA Broiler orders: December 1, 2017
- 4-H Swine Validation: November 20, 2017 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the Hopkins County Extension Office.
Contact your FFA chapter mentor or call the Hopkins County Extension Office (for 4-H members) at 903-885-3443 for more information.
Mario Villarino DVM, Ph.D.
Hopkins County Extension Agent for Ag and NR
1200B Houston Street
Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482
903-885-3443
Are You Crafty? We Need Your Talents! By Johanna Hicks
Are You Crafty? We Need Your Talents!
Last week, I told you about the Hopkins County Fall Festival Creative Arts Contest, with promises to tell you about the Arts & Crafts Show this week. Each year, a major attraction for the Fall Festival is the Arts & Crafts Show. If you have not visited this event, make a point to go this year!
The Arts & Crafts Show is for artisans of all kinds to sell their hand-crafted items. The event will be in the Sulphur Springs High School Cafeteria and north entryway, on Friday and Saturday, October 27 and 28. Applications went out to previous vendors in June, and we have had a fantastic response. However, we still have room for more! There are a few guidelines to follow:
1) This show is for hand-crafted/handmade items only. Commercially made items will not be accepted. Commercial vendors may contact Tracy Dennis for exhibit space in the Civic Center.
2) Applications are available at the Extension Office, on the Hopkins County Fall Festival website, and at https://hopkins.agrilife.org(click on ‘publications’). I can also e-mail the application to anyone who is interested.
3) No questionable items may be sold. This is a family event.
4) You will need to provide your own display equipment, tables, and chairs.
5) Each exhibitor is limited to one double space (16’ x 8’ or two single spaces 8’X8’). Spaces will be marked with your name.
6) Electrical outlets are limited. We will do our best to accommodate your need, if indicated on the registration form. You must provide your own extension cords and tape to secure them to the floor.
7) Covered outdoor spaces are available in a limited quantity. Uncovered spaces are also available, but we recommend that you bring a canopy. Spaces will be marked with your name.
8) Set up hours are Friday, October 27, 7:30 to 10:00 a.m.000
9) Arts & Crafts Show hours are: Friday, October 27, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 28, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No early pack-up unless cleared with the coordinator.
10) Vendors exhibiting for only one day will be assigned an outdoor space. Contact our office for single day fee information.
11) A confirmation letter, including directions to the high school, unloading, and parking information will be sent to exhibitors after receipt of registration and payment.
That’s it! As I mentioned, this is one of the highlights of the Fall Festival.
Here’s a sampling of things you will find in this year’s Arts & Crafts Show: seasonal wood décor; custom decorated t-shirts; wind chimes; costume jewelry; wreaths; fall décor; jams, jellies, relishes; pottery; sterling and copper jewelry; hand-made greeting cards for all occasions; caramel popcorn; flower petal cadet caps; quilts; children’s coloring book bags; aprons; glitter tattoos; hand-painted glass blocks; soaps; decorative cake plates; wood carvings – Santa, snowmen, shepherds, birds, animals; puppets; crocheted and knitted items; hot sauce; coin banks and gun boxes made from old P. O. doors; baby items; decorative hand & kitchen towels; 18” doll items; mug rugs; wood pens, coffee grinders, and pepper mills; gift baskets; wooden bowls, benches, lamps; leather belts, gun slings, knife sheaths; re-purposed bottles; glass garden art; bird feeders; wooden garden and farm house signs; stuffed animals; pillows; stuffed toys; vinyl signs; and horseshoe art.
All vendors who sell food items are required to have the Texas Food Handler’s License, available online at:https://extensiononline.tamu.edu/courses/food_safety.php
Please contact our office at 903-885-3443 if you have questions. We look forward to a great event!!
National 4-H Week
Our Hopkins County 4-H members invite you to join us on Monday, October 2, at 4:30 p.m. on the Courthouse Steps for the National 4-H Week Kick-off. Judge Robert Newsom will read the 4-H proclamation, and we’ll have refreshments. Enrollment information for 4-H will be available for any youth grade 3 thru 12. Young people are not required to have an animal. Actually, the number one project in Hopkins County and statewide is Foods & Nutrition. We also offer STEM, shooting sports, clothing and textiles, leadership, and other projects. Join us on October 2 to learn all about it!
Closing Thought
Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
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]
Folds of Honor
Don Woods and His Nashville Band will headline the Saturday Evening, October 28th Concert by the Lake at The Links at Land’s End. Those present are invited to taste different food venues supplied by area restaurants. Tickets for the evening are $25 and only advanced tickets will be sold.
The event will cap a two day event at Lake Fork, “Lunkers, Bunkers & Clays” that will include golf at The Links at Land’s End, a bass fishing tournament on Lake Fork, and shooting at Hidden lakes Hunting Resort. All funds raised during the Patriot Sporting Challenge, October 27th and 28th will benefit Folds of Honor.
Folds of Honor Foundation is seeking to ensure no family is left behind in the fight to preserve Patriot freedom. Through scholarships and other assistance, the organization says it gives back to the spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in service to this nation.
Tickets for the concert and tasting are available at Lake Fork area merchants and banks. For more information regarding the event, contact Garry Schnabel at 817-296-8985 or email: [email protected]. Registration is available at [email protected].
