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By Butch Burney
Way to go, Hopkins County!
Monday was one of the most memorable days I have ever witnessed. The weather cooperated to give us a glorious view of one of God’s special wonders, and visitors from literally around the world helped us celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse on the centerline.
At the Chamber, we personally met people from at least 35 states and nine different countries —right here in downtown Sulphur Springs. In our interactions this past week, we heard only beautiful comments about our town, downtown, and people. I wish everyone could have listened to the praise heaped on our community and our residents. It was incredibly uplifting!
Our visitors love our hometown. Many said they were looking forward to returning. A couple even said they were going to make plans to move here.
While we didn’t get the number of visitors we had expected, none of Texas did, primarily due to foreboding national weather forecasts. Still, the probably 15,000-20,000 who came to Hopkins County were gracious and excited to be here.
Our message before the eclipse is that we believed Sulphur Springs would put our best foot forward to our visitors. We thought it would be our time to shine as brightly as the ring around the eclipsed sun, and you did it!
We love our town and county and are so blessed to live in a community that goes all out for special events. Thank you, and way to go!
Spring Market
The Spring Market on Main is on Saturday, April 20, so please come out and shop with our vendors and local merchants. We have the best small businesses and restaurants, and you won’t be disappointed by what they offer.
Make plans to enjoy the day downtown on April 20.
Chamber Golf Tournament
Registration is now open for the 35th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on Friday, May 3. Teams can register online at the Chamber website, HopkinsChamber.org, or we can email you the registration form.
We have filled all the afternoon spots, but slots are still available on the morning flight. The cost for a team of six is $750, which includes three carts and six lunches.
There are also sponsorships available for interactive holes and contests.
Coffee and Conversation
Hopkins County Abstract will host the next networking event, Coffee and Conversation, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm on Thursday, April 4, at their office on Oak Avenue.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend. It is open to everyone in the community. It’s a great chance to network and meet others casually.
55+ Health Fair
The ROC at First Baptist Church will host the 55+ Health Fair on Wednesday, April 10, from 9:00 am to noon.
The fair will include therapy, blood sugar checks, pre-need funeral plans, medical equipment, home health information, and more.
For more information, call Karon Weatherman at 903-243-3255.
Solar Eclipse Art Exhibit
The Hopkins County Infinity 4-H Club coordinates a Solar Eclipse Art Exhibit with age divisions for children seven and under, 8-12, 13-18, and 19 and over.
The Club accepts entries through April 12 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office.
The maximum entry size is 16×20 inches. The display dates are April 15-19 in the Extension Office classroom.
All Hopkins County residents are eligible to submit art. Science and art teachers are encouraged to promote this opportunity with students.
For more information, contact Lisa Sprague at 903-885-3443 or Johanna Hicks at 903-243-0425.
Dutch Oven Cooking Class
The John Chester Dutch Oven Cooking Class is at Heritage Park from 8:00 am to noon on Saturday, April 20. The cost is $20 per person. To reserve, call Rick Wilson at 903-335-2752.
Manly Bingo
Sponsorships and tickets are available for the first Manly Bingo, a fundraiser for the Hopkins County Healthcare Foundation, set for Thursday, April 18, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Email Kayla.Price@Christushealth.org for more information.