Map and brochure for Texas Blueberry Festival

The 21st annual Texas Blueberry Festival presented by Brookshire Brothers is 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, June 12 in downtown and Festival Plaza.

Click to view festival map.

Click to view festival brochure.

See you at the world's tastiest festival!

Funeral services for Gary Lee Justice

Gary Justice pictured above.

Funeral services for Gary Lee Justice, 61, of Lake Cherokee will be 2 PM Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at the First Christian Church with Rev. Mike Maxwell and Rev. David Farmer officiating under direction of Rader Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rosewood Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday afternoon from 4 until 6 PM.

He was born February 4, 1949 in Lubbock and died May 27, 2010 in Rusk County from injuries received from an automobile accident. He was the General Manager of R & K Distributors in Nacogdoches, TX.

He is survived by his wife, Dena Davis Justice; son, Brad Justice; daughter, Lauren Justice; and a brother, James E. Justice.
Click to read The Daily Sentinel article.

Rader Funeral Home Inc
1617 Judson Road
PO Box 609
Longview, TX 75601

www.raderfh.com
Tel. (903) 753-3373
Fax. (903) 757-3708
info@raderfh.com



Pictured above is Gary Justice, left, with the R&K Distributors golf team at a past Blueberry Golf Tournament.

Mayor display complete

A few months ago the City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites department announced that we were working on a project and were looking for photos of former mayors. We would like to take this time to say our project is complete, and to thank those who have helped.

No one can deny that Nacogdoches is a wonderful city and we pride ourselves on this, but without the hard work of those who served as mayor, our city would not be what it is today.

Throughout the years these men and women have been involved in creating a better Nacogdoches by making the important decisions that keep our city running. They have helped set up our recreational facilities, airport, libraries and historic sites. They have also helped with our fire and police departments.

In attempts to honor these men and women we have put together a photograph display of our former mayors dating back the early 1900s.

These photos can be found on the first floor inside City Hall next to the City Council Chambers.

If you have not stopped by to look at this new display we encourage you take a look and remember our past mayors who have done so much for our city. Better yet, now that you know what these men and women look like, next time you see one of them around town let them know how much you appreciate a job well done!

Young Life "Reverse" Car Wash

Young Life "Reverse" Car Wash to raise money to send kids to camp- They will come to you to wash your car. Cars will be $10 and Vans and SUV's will be $20. Please contact Brenna Kelly if you would like your cars washed: breny429@yahoo.com or call : 713-628-7904.

Friends,

This coming Saturday some of our Young Life leaders will be getting together with some of their high school and middle school friends who are going to wash cars, this will go a long way in helping our friends raise the money needed to go to summer camp.

This year we are doing the car wash a little differently than we have in the past! We are doing a reverse car wash, which means we come to you. You let us know and we will come by your house and bring all of the cleaning supplies, all you need is a hose!

Cars will be $10

Vans and SUV's will be $20

Of course we will take additional donations, this is for a great cause and it will make it possible for some of our friends to go to Young Life camp this summer. Please contact Brenna Kelly if you would like your cars washed: breny429@yahoo.com or call : 713-628-7904

Thanks,
Rip Gibbs
Young Life Nacogdoches
Lone Star Region
Associate Regional Director
936-615-9671
ripgibbs@nac.younglife.org

SFA area alumni gathering on Tuesday, May 25

Reminder from David Madrid:

Please help spread the word about the SFA Nac area alumni gathering tomorrow night – 5:30p.m. at Delacroix’s. I am looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Also, information about a lunch gathering in early June will be communicated very soon. Finally, if you have any suggestions for a community project or two for the summer, please let me know.

Axe ‘Em Jacks!
David Madrid ‘02
936-554-2704

"Congratulations to Stephen F. Austin and its administration, coaches and most of all, its student-athletes for a fantastic competitive record in 2009-10," Southland commissioner Tom Burnett said. "It's been over a decade since a Southland school swept the men's, women's and overall all-sports awards, and what the SFA program accomplished is a rare feat across Division I athletics."

Biomass energy plant public information meeting

Representatives from Southern Power (owners of the biomass plant in Sacul) and Fagen, Inc. (construction managers for the plant) will hold a public information meeting this coming Monday, May 24, at 9am at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse Annex near the intersection of W. Main St. and North St. The meeting will last approximately an hour-and-a-half.

Ron Ray of Southern Power (Plant Manager for the biomass plant once it is up and operating) and Steve Maus of Fagen (construction project manager) will be there to explain how the bidding process will work for prospective subcontractors and vendors, as well as to provide a general timeline on how the construction phase will unfold over the next two years. Ron and Steve will also answer questions from local vendors and businesses.

Businesses and vendors interested in bidding on contracts during the construction phase, as well as once the plant is up and operating, should attend this important meeting, which is open to the public.

Evening with Brad Maule

Krista Figgins bid and won a date with Brad Maule in the Chamber's fall online auction. Pictured above are Maule and Figgins enjoying their dinner at Auntie Pasta's restaurant.

The full package Figgins won included:

• Dinner for two at either Clear Springs or Auntie Pasta's
• Autographed picture of Brad
• Silver-plated photo frame from Kennedy's Jewelers for 5" x 7" photo - (to display a photo of you and Brad if you like - bring your camera!!!)
• Facial by Caroline Hurst at Aesthetic Concepts
• $50 Gift Certificate from Nacogdoches Floral Company

Thanks to all these businesses for donating to the Chamber's fall online auction.

--------------------------------

Although Brad Maule is a bonafide celebrity, he's become just another Nacogdoches good old boy.

Well, that's not exactly true. Anyone who played 20-some years on General Hospital as Dr. Tony Jones is going to retain a certain hearthrob status. Brad's making a name in country music, hosting the Texas County Line series. Brad was also featured on 7th Heaven and The Young and the Restless.

Pictured left is Maule on the General Hospital set.

P3 Professional Sound and Lighting Ribbon Cutting

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for P3 Professional Sound and Lighting on May 13, 2010. They are located at 114 Odom St.Palestine, TX 75803.Their office phone number is (903) 724-1108.

Owner, Justin Florence welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Click to view more photos.

Crossover Counseling Ribbon Cutting

A Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for Crossover Counseling held on May 11, 2010. Their new office location is 2214 N. Pecan St.and their office phone number is 560-6855. Owner and new Chamber member, Laura Smith welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests.

Click to view more photos.

Chamber Past Chairs and Presidents Breakfast at Cotton Patch Cafe

Photo: Front: Paul Smith III (2009), Kim Luna Snyder (2007), Joyce Swearingen (1977), Doug Swearingen (1961), Betty Shinn (1989), Donna Finley (2008), Roy Blake Jr. (1998)

Back: Billy Earley (1976), Charles Haas (1972), Ken Wood (1983), I.K. Frazer (1988), Leon Hallman (1985), A.L. Mangham (1970), G.W. Neal (2002), Roby Somerford (1996), Gary Lee Ashcraft (2001)

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Chair Paul Smith III invited the Chamber’s past chairs and presidents to a breakfast reception at Cotton Patch Café on May 11. A cross-section of the ‘top volunteers’ from the 1960s, 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s was represented. Chamber President/CEO Bruce R. Partain gave a brief report on current activities.

Chamber vice chairs Scarlett Sloane, Michael Martin and Bill Teague, as well as chair-elect Francis Spruiell were in attendance.

Cotton Patch manager Karen Klein, who sponsored the meal, greeted guests and gave an overview of her company’s support of the community and SFA students in particular.
Pictured right are Smith, Klein and Lester the Rooster.

Photos by Bruce R. Partain.

Blue Washer Board Tournament at Texas Blueberry Festival

Click here for the Blue Washer Board Tournament registration form.

BB Washer Board 2010 Event Flier

P3 Professional Sound and Lighting Ribbon Cutting

Owner, Justin Florence welcomed sponsors, Chamber members and guests to attend the ribbon cutting of P3 Professional Sound and Lighting on Thursday, May 13. Even though he is located in Palestine (114 Odom St.), Justin serves the Nacogdoches and Lufkin area. To learn more visit his website at www.p3prosound.com or call (903) 724-1108.

Blueberry celebration set for June 12

Photo: With help from uncle Joe Knobloch, Ben Bedwell goes straight for the blueberries in his blueberry pancakes at last year’s festival. The Blueberry Pancake Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. on June 12, and tons of fun will continue until 4 p.m. at the 21st annual Texas Blueberry Festival in downtown Nacogdoches.
Photo by Bruce R. Partain)

The Texas Blueberry Festival, presented by Brookshire Brothers, offers a day-long celebration of the annual blueberry harvest, featuring live music, farm tours, delicious blueberry fare and children’s activities.

“The 21st annual Texas Blueberry Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 12, in historic downtown Nacogdoches, the First Town in Texas,” said Festival Chair Michelle Smith. “Admission and parking are free, and thanks to Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful, it’s a litter free event.”

According to Smith, Cowboy Max will not only be back, but he will meet up with Jack Dagger for a battle of the bullwhips and blades.

“Cowboy Max will give his daring exhibition of trick roping and bullwhip stunts in his wooly chaps,” said Smith. “And Jack Dagger is a knife-throwing dare devil. Look for two performances during the morning hours on the Festival Plaza stage.”

Festival attendees will want to start the day off with a delicious stack of pancakes made with fresh-picked local blueberries. Hayter’s Mill Creek Farm will also be selling fresh blueberries, and free shuttles rides will provide transportation from the festival to a nearby farm where guests can pick their own blueberries right off the bush.

Live musical entertainment, including folk, country, blues and soft rock performances, may be enjoyed all day on three stages. Children’s activities will include the Blueberry Bounce Park, the Too Blue Petting Zoo and the Big Blue Mural. More than 100 arts, crafts and food vendors will also be on site.

Other attractions include a state and nationally-sanctioned 42 tournament, pie-eating contest, pet parade, horse shoes and washers tournament, classic car show, costume contest and ice cream and cobbler competitions. Visit the Cool Zone locations that will allow festival attendees to relax and take a break from the summer heat.

Prime growing conditions make Nacogdoches County the number one blueberry producer in the state, and the annual harvest peaks in early summer. Proceeds from the Texas Blueberry Festival benefit the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce’s various community and business development programs.

Nacogdoches is located in the piney woods of Texas approximately 150 miles north of Houston on U.S. Hwy. 59.

For more information about the Texas Blueberry Festival, call the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce at 936-560-5533 or the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-888-OLDEST TOWN. Find a link to the Texas Blueberry Festival schedule of events and other details at www.nacogdoches.org.

Congratulations to Suzanne Ratcliff, Junior League of Lufkin April volunteer of the month

Junior League of Lufkin April Volunteer of the Month – Suzanne Ratcliff

Suzanne Ratcliff works hard at her day job, often going above and beyond for her students, works hard at her second job, volunteering at her church (taking on new responsibilities at a pivotal time her in her life and the life of her Parish)…and still has time for her third job within league. Her league position requires structure, organization, and a keen eye, and only she truly knows the sacrifices she has to make to get each issue of Our View Magazine out on time.

She is passionate about her faith, her family and teaching. She is highly organized and able to handle many responsibilities at once. She takes pride in any task you put in front of her – to taking care of her family, to the hours she spends preparing for the classroom, to the time she spends with the League. Her three daughters are a testament to type of woman she is. This volunteer has to juggle between her roles of being a mom, a teacher, a youth leader, a friend and all the others too long to list, but her daughters are always the top priority.

Her husband says the dedication she gives to her 4th graders and to all her volunteer activities is an inspiration to those who know her. He is amazed at how she finds the time and the energy to get so much accomplished each and every day. Most importantly, he is amazed at her total devotion to their family and the Lord…and for that, he is truly grateful.

Blueberry Golf Bash winning teams

The 13th Annual Blueberry Golf Bash produced by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce gave golfers a day of fun, food and plenty of friendly competition.

The winning teams are: first place, Wells Fargo - Wendy Buchanan; second place, University Rental; third place, NIBCO, Inc.; and fourth place, Nacogdoches Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

“Congratulations to this year’s golf bash winners, and the committee sends thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers that made the event successful,” event chairwoman Fern Simmons said.

Blueberry Golf Bash sponsors include meal sponsors Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and LugNutz Sports Bar & Grill; Beverage sponsors R & K Distributors, Stevenson Beer Distributing Co., Giglio Distributing Company, Inc. and Nacogdoches Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

“No one made the Hole in One and walked away with the $25,000, but I’ve heard from sponsor Curtis & Clark Energy Services that the big cash prize may be up for grabs next year,” Simmons said.

Twenty-eight teams played in the tournament held May 7 at Piney Woods Country Club.

Click to view more event photos.


First place team is Wells Fargo - Wendy Buchanan. Players are from left, Ricky Socia, Mike Buchanan, Dennis Ebby and Mike Johnson.



Second place team is University Rental. Players are from left, Taylor Mathews, Clayton Woods, Jordan Elder and Clint Poole.



Third place team is NIBCO, Inc. Players are from left, Dale Layton, Preston Nichols, Jesse Richardson and Tom Spain.



Fourth place team is Nacogdoches Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Players are from left, Drew Hufty, Mike Andress, Mark Jenkins and Greg Luman.

Texas Forest Trail announces 2010 partners

The Texas Forest Trail is pleased to announce that 23 organizations from across the region have joined the Partnership Program for 2010.

The partner organizations include individual attractions, visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and organizations dedicated to increasing tourism in the Forest Trail Region.

“We are delighted to have wide-spread support from such a diverse group of partners,” said Brian Bray, President of the Texas Forest Trail Board of Directors and City of Nacogdoches Historic Sites Manager. He added, “By becoming a member of the Texas Forest Trail Partner Program, organizations receive specific benefits while paying only a fraction of the costs for numerous marketing opportunities, hospitality training, and networking and educational opportunities.”

The following organizations are recognized as 2010 Partner Members: Atlanta City Development Corporation; Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center; Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau; Big Thicket National Preserve; City of Conroe Convention & Visitors Bureau; City of Henderson Tourism; City of Huntsville Convention & Visitors Bureau; City of Jasper; City of Mount Vernon; City of Nacogdoches; City of New Boston Parks & Tourism; City of Shenandoah Convention & Visitors Bureau; Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce; The History Center at Diboll; Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce; Kilgore Chamber of Commerce; Mt. Pleasant-Titus County Chamber of Commerce; Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau; Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau; Sabine County Chamber of Commerce; San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce; Texas Parks and Wildlife Region 8 State Parks; and Texas State Railroad.


Additional information can also be found at www.texasforesttrail.com.

SFA Summer Art Academy registration open

Registration open for SFA Summer Art Academy

May 5, 2010 - Sylvia Bierschenk- Click for story

A participant in the 2009 Summer Art Academy shows off her work-in-progress. The School of Art will once again offer its half-day, two-week program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade June 7 through 18 in the Art Building on the SFA campus.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Registrations are now being accepted for the Summer Art Academy offered by the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art. The two-week camp will meet Monday through Friday, June 7 through 18. Students in kindergarten sixth grade may enroll in the classes that include drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.

"The academy offers an exciting introduction to the visual arts and an immersion into specific media," said Gary Parker, SFA art instructor and director of the academy.

Classes are arranged by approximate age and meet from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Art Building on Wilson Drive. The students' work will be exhibited at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 18, in the Art Building. Afterwards, students may take their work home.

The $150 registration fee, which includes all art supplies, refreshments and exhibition expenses, is due by Friday, May 14. Children of SFA faculty and staff may register for $140. Late registration is $160.

"Parents will want to register early since we limit the enrollment to ensure personal attention and instruction," Parker said.

Registration forms are available at www.art.sfasu.edu/ or by calling the School of Art at (936) 468-4804.

Open house at The Helping House

We are pleased to invite you to attend our
Second Annual Open House

Monday, May 17th, 5 to 8pm
The Helping House
919 Jack Lock in Nacogdoches

Come enjoy complimentary refreshments as you tour our facility and hear more about the exciting things that we are doing at
The Helping House.

Additional information:
Please call 936/371-1536
or email ajohnson@the-helping-house.org for more information.

First Friday Nights

Hotel Fredonia invites you to join them in historic downtown Nacogdoches, and shop late till eight! Participating downtown merchants will stay late.

**For more information call (936) 559- 2573

The Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau, 200 E. Main St., will be open late with a list of participating merchants as well.

Friday Night Cruise Night

Hotel Fredonia presents Friday Night Cruise Night May 7th! Come out and join them from 5pm-9pm directly across from the Hotel Fredonia for an evening of the finest in American muscle cars as well as classic cars that have survived the decades of time. Swing by 9 Flags Bar and Patio after the tour of cars for Jazz On The Patio and enjoy one of our micro brews, glass of wine, or an orange mojito. With dinner being served till 11pm, Hotel Fredonia offers a wide variety of menu options, including our newest addition of Certified Angus filets, ribeyes, and burgers.

Car enthusiasts are invited to cruise into downtown between 5 and 9 p.m. Car clubs, antique cars, boats, and motorcycles welcome. Enthusiasts are asked to contact Doug James at (936) 615-2742 with questions.

Established as a community hotel in 1955, Hotel Fredonia offers 112 guest rooms and suites in the heart of historic, downtown Nacogdoches. The hotel offers reception, meeting and convention spaces accommodating up to 1,500 people, on-site catering, a full service restaurant, a sports bar, coffee and wine bar, and salt-water pool. Discover a Nacogdoches landmark, Hotel Fredonia, where it is our pleasure to serve you in the oldest town in Texas.
200 North Fredonia, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965Phone: 936-564-1234 Fax: 936-564-0231 Reservations: 800-594-5323

Pick Nacogdoches - local growers guide

For reasons that range from "it's healthy" to "it just tastes good," you should eat produce grown locally. Find out more in the Pick Nacogdoches, a guide to local growers.

Remember that The Nacogdoches Farmers’ Market, located at the “hitch lot” at the corner of West Main and Pearl Streets, is open from 8 a.m. until noon or later every Saturday - and begins opening on Wednesday mornings May 12.

Fourth Friday Luncheon- Adam Peck

On April 23, 2010 Adam Peck presented "Harnessing the Power to Create: Lessons from Improvisational Comedy" at the Hotel Fredonia in the Banita Ballroom at the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Fourth Friday Luncheon.

Click here to view more photos!

Texas Back to Work program

Texas Back to Work Fact Sheet

Make Texas Friendly the Official Language of Your Business

Make Texas Friendly the Official Language of Your Business…
Participants will learn about the basics of customer service, opportunities for tourism development, and ways to make Nacogdoches County a tourist-friendly place. All participants will be “Texas Friendly” certified at the conclusion of the session.

This workshop will help your front-line employees:
- Develop positive customer service skills and practices
- Understand the role of excellent customer service
- Learn how to acquire and distribute key information for customers
- Practice skills to improve customer retention and community pride

**Class size is limited. Advance registration required.
Conducted by Mary Turner, Texas Forest Trail Region Executive Director

National Travel and Tourism Week

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– On May 12, the Texas Forest Trail Region, in partnership with the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau, will celebrate Texas Tourism Week by offering Texas Friendly Hospitality Training workshops for local businesses. The workshops will be held at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the City Commission Chambers on the Downtown Square, 202 E. Pilar Street in Nacogdoches. Texas Forest Trail Region Executive Director Mary Turner, a certified hospitality trainer, will teach participants about the fundamentals of customer service, opportunities for tourism development, and ways to make Nacogdoches a tourist-friendly place. All participants will be “Texas Friendly” certified at the conclusion of the session.

The workshop is free to all attendees, and participants will receive all workshop materials and refreshments. Participants may register in person at the Nacogdoches Visitor Center, 200 E. Main, through May 11. On-site registration will be offered on a space-available basis.

The Texas Forest Trail Region is a regional tourism initiative developed by the Texas Historical Commission that fosters regional economic development by promoting heritage tourism through the preservation of cultural and historic resources and regional partnerships. The Texas Forest Trail Region encompasses 35 counties in East Texas including Anderson, Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Marion, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Panola, Polk, Red River, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Walker and Wood.

For more information about scheduling a Texas Friendly Hospitality Training session for your community or organization or to receive information about the May 12 workshop by mail or email, contact Regional Coordinator Mary Turner at 936/560-3699 or info@texasforesttrail.com or visit http://www.texasforesttrail.com/

Mothers Day Brunch at The Hotel Fredonia

Mothers Day Brunch

Come out and help celebrate Mothers Day, Sunday May 9th, 2010 at The Hotel Fredonia. Reservation times are 11 am, 12 pm and 1pm, for reservations call (936) 564-1234. Adults are $45 and children are $22.50

Entrees

· Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
topped with Apple Creole Mustard Sauce

· Grilled Chicken Breast
stuffed with Spinach-Mustard Cheese
topped with Artichoke and Basil Alfredo Sauce

· Pecan-Crusted Tilapia with Pecan Cream Sauce

· The Perfect Stuffed Flank Steak, Red Wine Demi-Glace, stuffed with Feta Cheese, Roasted Red Peppers, Spinach, and Mushrooms

*Grilled Parmesan Vegetables Stack
*Eggs Benedict
*Country Green Beans
*Rosemary Roasted New Potatoes

Carving Stations
*Prime Rib
*Roasted Pork Butt
*Oven Roasted Leg of Lamb

Omelet Station
*Omelets made to order with
an Assortment of Cheeses and Toppings
*Hash Browns

Sushi
*Ahi Tuna, Salmon, Scallops, Shrimp, Vegetables

Salad and Seafood
*Peal and Eat Shrimp
*Shrimp Tex-Mex Cocktail
*Caesar Salad
*Fresh Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Red Onions
*Waldorf Salad
*Stuffed Roma Tomatoes- with Tuna Salad
*Smoked Salmon
*Fresh Tossed Green Salad with an Assortment of Dressings
*Fresh Fruit
*Domestic and Imported Cheese
*Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Child Menu
*Mac N' Cheese
*Butterfly Fried Shrimp
*Fried Chicken Strips

Dessert
*Fredonia Bread Pudding
*Texas Pecan Pie
*Strawberry Cheese Cake
*Assortment of Fruit Cobblers
*Assortment of Fresh Baked Cakes, Pies, and Cookies


Established as a community hotel in 1955, Hotel Fredonia offers 112 guest rooms and suites in the heart of historic, downtown Nacogdoches. The hotel offers reception, meeting and convention spaces accommodating up to 1,500 people, on-site catering, a full service restaurant, a sports bar, coffee and wine bar, and salt-water pool. Discover a Nacogdoches landmark, Hotel Fredonia, where it is our pleasure to serve you in the oldest town in Texas.


200 North Fredonia, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965
Phone: 936-564-1234 Fax: 936-564-0231
Reservations: 800-594-5323

www.HotelFredonia.com

Chamber Connection eNewsletter for May 2010

Read the latest news from the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

Click here for the May 2010 Chamber Connection.

Historic walking tours set for May

Downtown walking tours are back for the spring and will be offered at 10:30 a.m. each Saturday in May at the Visitor Center, located at 200 E. Main St. Tickets are $2 and can be purchased beginning at 10 a.m. the day of the tour. Children 12 and under are free. The walking tours are also one way Nacogdoches recognizes Historic Preservation Month.
"The walking tours are a wonderful opportunity for locals and visitors to learn more about the city of Nacogdoches and the history that makes it unique," said Sherri Skeeters, assistant director of the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our volunteer guides are very knowledgeable about local history and help make the tours entertaining, as well as informative. We are so excited to add the Demonstration Garden to our list of sites this year.”
Historic sites on the tour include the Caddo Indian burial mound, Oak Grove Cemetery, the Old University Building, the Demonstration Garden, Zion Hill Baptist Church, the Adolphus Sterne House, Durst Taylor House and Gardens, and much more. The walking tours take about two hours to complete.
For more information, contact the Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau at 888-OLDEST-TOWN or www.visitnacogdoches.org.