Good Evening TXK
You remember the drop in your stomach you felt as a child when you were walking next to your mom’s buggy in Walmart on a lazy mid summer afternoon and you stumbled upon the dreaded sight of the terrifying school supply section that seemingly pops up out of nowhere? Yeah, that’s how I feel walking past Great American Cookie Company in the mall now that I’m trying to eat healthier. You think to yourself, “NOOOOOO! It’s MID-JULY. Why would Walmart place this blasphemy right in front of our faces like this?” Not cool, Walmart! Do better!
But there comes a time each year when we must accept that summer is over, playtime is winding down, and eating extreme amounts of sugar in your pajamas in the middle of the day will have to end. We have no other option but to face our fears of the new school year head on. We stand to gain great times with new and old friends, loads of new knowledge, and the resilience that adolescence teaches us. Back to school isn’t so bad! I know the idea of waking up early doesn’t feel good right now, but you’ll get back into the swing of things, and look on the bright side! It’s time to choose a new backpack and lunchbox, get a brand-new box of crayons and to strike a pose for the 7,000 photos that will inevitably accompany the first day of school!
So, take a deep breath, flip your perspective, roll down your windows and scream “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield at the top of your lungs. And while you are at it, mark these Texarkana events happening in August on your getting-busier-by-the-moment calendars right now because you don’t want to miss them!
Drawdown & Casino Night—Crossties
Thursday, August 5, 6:00 pm
This will be a fun event! If you’re like me and love a casino night but don’t want to make the drive to Shreveport, this is the night for you! Temple Memorial Pediatric Center hosts this annual Drawdown & Casino Night to raise money and there are so many ways this night benefits not only them, but could benefit you as well because there’s an opportunity for you to win $5,000!
ONE ticket for $100 admits two people, so grab your significant other or your best friend and get to Crossties Event Venue in Downtown Texarkana!
But wait, there’s more! Pop’s Place will prepare dinner to get everyone off to a great start at the beginning of the night! So, dinner, a chance to win $5,000 and casino tables? Yes, count me in!
Hope Watermelon Festival—Hope Fair Park
Thursday, August 5, 12 pm through Saturday, August 7, 9:30 pm
I am not exaggerating when I tell you this festival is hands down one of the most enjoyable events I’ve ever been to.
The 45th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival will take place August 5-7, and let me tell you, there is something for EVERYONE! There are tons of family-oriented activities, live entertainment, delicious food, arts and crafts and my personal favorite, “Watermelon Idol,” a talent competition for singers and performers.
If you find yourself free on the weekend of August 5, please don’t hesitate to attend this fantastic event. You won’t be sorry! And if you already have plans, cancel them. This fun event is worth it.
Check the Hope Watermelon Festival website at hopewatermelonfest.com for more information.
Building A Successful Stepfamily Conference—First Baptist Church
Friday, August 6, 7:00-9:30 pm
Saturday, August 7, 8:30 am–1:00 pm
According to The Stepfamily Foundation Inc., over 50% of U.S. families are remarried or re-coupled! Stepfamilies are a reality for many, not only in the United States, but in the world. For the blended families of Texarkana, First Baptist Church on Moores Lane will host an amazing conference perfect for you.
The event will be a two-day conference presented by Ron L. Deal, author, speaker, blended family expert, founder, president, and Smart Stepfamilies Director. This conference addresses key aspects of healthy stepfamilies and provides practical ideas for building a stronger marriage and blended family. Childcare will be provided from birth to ten years old, but children are required to be signed up during the registration process.
The cost is $25 per couple and includes the price of two workbooks. Tickets are non-refundable. Check Facebook events for more information.
Downtown Live—Broad Street Texarkana
Second Friday of every month, 6:00-9:00 pm
Over 15 local artists will paint live on the second Friday, spreading beautiful, original pieces along Broad Street. And what goes better with art than food, desserts and great drinks? Well, you don’t have to worry because there will be plenty of each available from your favorite downtown restaurants.
It’s a fun night with a great atmosphere. Take advantage of this and all the amazing downtown events that bring us all together.
Pioneer Days Festival—T&P Trailhead Park
Wednesday, August 18, 6:00 pm Saturday, August 21, 11:45 pm
New Boston’s Pioneer Days Festival is hosted by the New Boston Chamber of Commerce and will be enjoyed by the entire family!
Attendees will enjoy a day in the sun with arts and crafts vendors, concerts Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (free admission), and the Johnson Brothers Carnival all week long!
If you’re looking for a fun event to help wrap up summer for your kiddos, this is it!
2021 Bridal Expo—Crossties Saturday, August 21, 10 am-4 pm
Calling all brides, or people who just like weddings! The 2021 Bridal Expo at Crossties Event Venue in Downtown Texarkana is going to be so much fun!
Crossties will host over 100 wedding vendors in their unique and spacious 37,000 square foot event center, covering future brides’ areas of interest in: catering, floral, wedding attire, photography, videography, wellness and beauty, makeup artists, beauticians, event planners and a lot more. You can find everything you need to make your dream day a tremendous success!
Buy your tickets now for $15 each at OuthouseTickets.com!
Sporting Clays Classic—Rocky Creek Outdoors, Saturday, August 28, 8:00 am
The Caddo Area Council will host its first ever Sporting Clays Classic fundraiser, August 28 at Rocky Creek Outdoors. Your participation and support will help send Scouts to camps, Jamborees and High Adventure Bases. It will also help provide memberships, uniforms and handbooks for those who otherwise would not be able to participate. Come on out and give it a shot… literally!
For more information, contact Lonna Johnson at lonna.johnson@scouting.org or by calling 903-793-2179.
Shenandoah Featuring Marty Raybon • Hempstead Hall, Hope, AR • Thursday, September 2, 7:30 pm
Ok, you’re right… this isn’t technically an August event, but we wanted to give you a heads up so you wouldn’t miss it!
With hits like “Two Dozen Roses,” “Church on the Cumberland Road,” and “Moon Over Georgia,” this well-loved and highly successful band needs no introduction. Coming to Hempstead Hall in Hope, Arkansas, this is sure to be a night for the memory books.
Get tickets at hempsteadhall.com.
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