Meet 2,600 SFA freshmen at Back Lot Bash

SFA Freshman Convocation
5 PM. Sept. 3
William R. Johnson Coliseum


The Back Lot Bash is held in the back parking lot of the William R. Johnson Coliseum following the SFA Freshman Convocation. Each organization and business will be given one six-foot table. Electricity is limited and available on a first come-first served basis. Sign up soon to ensure that there is a spot for you.

Freshman Convocation Back Lot Bash 2009

Nationally-known Retail Expert Comes to Nac!

Jon Schallert, a nationally-known retail expert, will be holding a seminar titled "Destination Business" on October 6,2009. The seminar will address how to increase sales and profits as a destination business. It will begin at 8 a.m. and go until 2, and it will be held at Hotel Fredonia.

Jon Schallert is a small business expert who teaches communities and businesses how to become Consumer Destinations. His work has been published in The Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur Magazine. He is also the only consultant in the world to be awarded the "Top Motivator" Marketing Award from Potentials Magazine.

Cost for the seminar is $50 for those living in Nacogdoches County and $125 per person living outside of Nacogdoches County. For registation forms and more information please go to Nacogdoches.org.

Freedom Fest - July 4 in downtown Nacogdoches

Brookshire Brothers Freedom Fest will once again be offering all the sights, sounds and tastes of an old-fashioned, community-wide Independence Day celebration on July 4 in Festival Plaza from 5 to 9 p.m.

Families are invited to enjoy delicious festival food, children’s activities and live music, including Halcyon Five, The Keith Whitton Band, and the first place winner of the Christian Battle of the Bands that is going on during the day. The evening will culminate in a dazzling fireworks display sponsored by the Nacogdoches Jaycees beginning 30 minutes after dark.

Admission is free.

A children’s area will keep the kids entertained with a dunking booth, slides, moonwalks, and trike races. Tickets for the inflatables are $1 each or a $15 armband is also available and allows for unlimited play in the inflatable children’s area.

Other popular locations for viewing the firewor

ks are the University Mall,

Williamsburg Plaza, Downtown Square, Nacogdoches County Courthouse, Coy Simms Softball Park, Brookshire Brothers on South Street and the Hotel Fredonia.

Click for more information or call the Nacogdoches CVB at 936-564-7351.

(photos by Bruce R. Partain)

First Friday Cruise Night presents “Veteran’s Appreciation Night”

The City of Nacogdoches Main Street Program and Freedom Fest invite you to historic downtown Nacogdoches for “Veteran’s Appreciation Night.”

We hope to see you at the Visitor’s Center, 200 E. Main Street for July’s First Friday Cruise Nights, so cruise on in to downtown on Friday, July 3. Attendees will be able to pay special tribute to our veterans and active troops inside the Visitor’s Center.

“We wanted to celebrate our nation’s independence by honoring those who fought so hard for our rights,” said Main Street Manager Sarah O’Brien.

Free desserts and drinks will be served inside the visitor’s center with lots of patriotic flare. Help us kick off Freedom Fest in downtown with patriotic music, free USA flags, vintage and classic cars, and late night shopping till 8 p.m.

Mayor Roger Van Horn will be proclaiming “Veteran’s Appreciation Night” at 5:30 p.m. on the Plaza Principal Stage.

We invite enthusiasts to cruise into downtown between 5 and 8 p.m. Car Clubs, Antique Cars, and Motorcycles welcome. Enthusiasts are asked to contact Doug James at Lone Star Scooters and ATV at 936-560-2228 with questions.

Pictured is Heart of Texas owner Gerry Larabee, left, enjoying First Friday Night, shop late 'til 8, in June. Visit Gerry and her charming store during the July 3 event.

For more information call 936-559-2573 or email obriens@ci.nacogdoches.tx.us.

Chamber Member Wins $50!

Ray Johnston was the lucky winner who won $50 at Fourth Friday Luncheon held on June 26. Pictured is Corey Ashley left, with First Bank & Trust East Texas presenting the prize to Johnston. Everyone who attends the luncheon is eligible to win the $50 drawing, and all chamber members are entered in a $250 drawing. First Bank & Trust East Texas sponsors both drawings.

There's no place like home for vacationing

Click to read full story and view video by Donna McCollum, KTRE.
Click to read full story by Matthew Stoff, The Daily Sentinel.

Photo: Samantha Mora, Nacogdoches CVB Media and Community Relations Coordinator, right, gave the tips and unique ideas to make a staycation the best it can be. Also pictured are Chamber director Bill Teague, left, and Chamber Chair Donna Finley.
Visit the Nacogdoches CVB web site to plan your perfect staycation.

Tales from the Trail

Want to stay informed with whats going on from Natchitoches, LA to Crockett, TX without having to search the internet? Then this newsletter is for you! The El Camino Real Trail online newsletter is free and sign up is easy.

This newsletter features events and festivals in six main cities on the El Camino Real Trail which include Natchitoches and Sabine Parish, LA; Sabine County, San Augustine, Nacogdoches and Crockett, TX.

To sign up simply go to www.elcaminorealtx.com and enter your email address in the “Newsletter Signup” spot. A confirmation email will be sent to the address you provided. Once you have confirmed your subscription, you will begin to receive information on upcoming events and festivals.