Hopkins County Chamber Connection

By Butch Burney,

Registration for the 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew Festival, presented by Alliance Bank, has been pouring in. We already have almost 70 entries more than a month before the deadline.

To register, go to the Chamber’s website at HopkinsChamber.org/stewcooks, email info@HopkinsChamber.org or call 903-885-6515. The cost to enter is $100 per stew pot, with $150 from the sponsor to pay for ingredients.

Register now to reserve your spot from last year.

This year, stew cooks can also pre-order a T-shirt with “Stew Cook” on the back for $15.

We also are taking applications for our vendor market at the stew. The cost is $75 for Chamber members and $100 for nonmembers. Go to our website at HopkinsChamber.org or call Amanda at 903-885-6515 to register. We still have a few sponsorship opportunities available as well.

Photography Contest

It’s time again for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual photography contest!

The photography contest is open to anyone who resides in Hopkins County. We have seven categories: Natural World, Travel, Family and People, The Hopkins County Experience, Altered Images, Mobile, and Children (for photographers up to 18 years of age).

We require that you take your photographs in Hopkins County no earlier than Jan. 1, 2021. See the rules on our website, HopkinsChamber.org. You can also upload your photos to our website to enter. The deadline to enter is Aug. 31.

Ribeye Roundup

If you’re looking for a great steak, you don’t want to miss the Cattleman’s Classic and Ribeye Roundup on Saturday, Oct. 1, on the downtown plaza.

The event features a steak cook-off which will include an expected 40-plus cook team, educational trade show, a free Bobby Irwin concert, and more.

Cooks have until Sept. 1 to get their entry forms in, and this year there will be a junior cook classification for youth ages 7-17. Go to the Facebook page to learn more. You can also get a blue Ribeye Roundup T-shirt for just $14 at the Chamber of Commerce, 110 Main St. Come by to pick one up!

Guest Brunch

The Hopkins County Historical Society will host a free brunch on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Winniford Building in Heritage Park, beginning at 10:00 am. Special guests Carol Burnett (Enola Gay) will emcee, along with portrayals of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Minnie Pearl, Rosie the Riveter, Jane Austen, Loretta Lynn, and Dollie Parton, Mary Poppins, and Raggedy Ann.

Donations will be accepted.

Quilt Show

The 21st Annual Quilt Show, presented by the Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild, is set for Sept. 23-24 at First Baptist Church’s The ROC. It will last from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday. Admission is $5 per person (under 12 are free).

Lisa Erlandson, AQS certified appraiser of Quilted Textiles and historian, will be the special speaker. There will be more than 100 quilts along with door prizes and vendors. For more information, go to SulphurSpringsTxQuilts.com.

Ribbon Cutting

Hopkins County Abstract will host a ribbon cutting at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at their office at 441 Oak Ave. Please join us for this event.