Good Evening TXK
Six things to do in May!
Each year as the month of May once again rears its head, I reminisce about the good old days when scratching the contacts right out of my itchy, painfully bloodshot, watery eyes was just another Monday at school for me. Even after replacing the first set with another pair I would carry in my backpack, I’d again find myself with at least one completely dried out contact by the end of the day, and many people asking me why I had been “crying.”
Allergy season has never been kind to me and while I’m delighted to see everything blooming and bursting with color just the way God intended, I cannot help but also wonder why He would allow me to be this (near-deathly)
allergic to all the pollen in the air, coating the lovely vehicles of Texarkana with its menacing yellow film.
If you see me out and about this month at some of the outstanding events Texarkana has to offer, and my eyes are bloodshot or I’m sneezing, do not worry, it’s not COVID… so mind ya business!
Twice As Fine Texarkana Wine Festival at Spring Lake Park—May 1
If there is wine, I will be there, thank you! This event will be so much fun! It is the sixth annual Texarkana Wine Festival, where wineries, local businesses and merchants of all kinds set up booths to promote their services, sell their unique products and sponsor amazing wine brands!
(For example, the Heritage Home Health and Hospice team, of which I’m so lucky to be a part, will be at this event sponsoring Zinfandel, and I could not be more excited! Come see me!)
We can’t forget about the great music, fun activities and even food tastings that will be available as well! I am looking forward to this for several obvious reasons, and I hope to see a big turnout! This event is brought to you by Alzheimer’s Alliance Tri-State Area.
Runnin’ WJ Ranch Big Bass Roundup at Crossties and Wright Patman Lake—May 7-8
I remember my pop trying to teach me how to fish back in the day (for someone who is only 23 years old, I sure say “back in the day” a lot). I also remember how bored I would get after my line was sitting in the water for two whole minutes. I just wanted to go back to the dock and play on my mom’s phone.
Some of you are much more patient than I am. And if you are going to sit on the water for a five-hour waiting game, then doing it with prize money on the line is a great opportunity. Add a great cause like raising money for Runnin’ WJ Ranch, and it’s a no-brainer.
The entry fee for this big bass tournament is $80. You may qualify for two bonus hours with purchase of a $20 t-shirt! There will be hourly and overall prize money. The tournament will take place at Wright Patman Lake at Sportsman Cove. Additional information will be posted, and more information can be found on the official event Facebook page.
63rd Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Texarkana College—May 15
FINALLY, finally, after all this time writing about Texarkana events, month after month, it FINALLY feels like I have found an event that was made specifically with me in mind. Anyone who knows me knows that food is the way to my heart.
For over 60 years straight, the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana has been hosting a pancake breakfast to raise money for the nonprofits in our community. With or without a worthy cause, I would be first in line, devouring these delicious cakes, but the fact that nonprofits are the purpose just adds icing (or should I say “syrup”) to the cake! Hey mom, I’m finally eating fattening foods for a GOOD CAUSE!
The Opportunities, Inc. Paddle, Hike, Jog Or Bike Virtual Race at Any Where, Any Place—May 15
Calling all those who love to exercise! This virtual race is a fun way to give back to the community by simply taking your pick from a 3+ mile hike, 30 minute bike ride or paddle at a local park or jogging a 5K.
The Opportunities, Inc. Paddle, Hike, Jog or Bike is a unique event that was developed for the safety of our participants, volunteers, staff, partners and community. This virtual event encourages our participants to live an active lifestyle and enjoy time exercising while supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities.
I may have missed the sporty gene in general, but I am all about a Swag Bag! All registrants will receive a swag bag with a race shirt, race medal and $10 off Academy voucher. Registration is $35. For more information visit oppinc.org or email development@oppinc.org
Clay’s Golf & Guitars at Northridge Country Club—May 22
Gail and Dr. Ed Eichler started the Clay Eichler Memorial Fund in 2015 after losing their son Clay. Each year, his memorial fund raises money through Clay’s Golf and Guitars, an event with all profits benefiting worthy local organizations needing financial assistance. The Board is proud to announce that the recipient of the seventh annual benefit is Haven Homes. Check out claysgolfandguitars.com, where you can find more information about this event and Clay’s story!
Anyone besides me ready to rock out? I am past ready! Make sure to get your tickets to see ESCAPE: The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band. Like Journey, ESCAPE features five top California musicians who have performed live in nearly every state in the nation. Tickets are $50 each for concert only. Get your raffle ticket for $100 and a chance to win a dream vacation!
Come out and support this great cause!
Car, Truck And Bike Show/BBQ Championship Cook-Off at Crossties—May 22
When “BBQ Championship Cook-Off” is in the title of an event, say no more!
Just Love and Kindness is bringing Texarkana a super fun event, proceeds benefiting area schools with Ready or Not Tot programs, dedicated to “taking the glamour out of teen pregnancy.”
You can visit the event’s official website at justloveandkindness.org to find the eligible model vehicles that are encouraged to register, but registration starts that morning at 8 am and will go on until 10 am, with an entry fee of $25 (DON’T FORGET… BBQ lunch included!). There will be 1st and 2nd place awards, which will be given at 2 pm.
Live Music Opportunities!
Texarkana might as well be known for its love of live music! We are blessed with some amazing bands too! Here are just some of the fantastic opportunities to catch these bands around T-Town this month!
May 7—T-Town 5 at Redbone
May 8—Bart Crow at 67 Landing
May 16—Relentless Unplugged at Redbone
May 21—Jed Harrelson, One Night Only at Whiskey River
May 29—Lee and Sheila at Redbone
For more events visit
