Photo credit: Joel Andrews, Lufkin Daily News

Here in East Texas, everyone loves a good rodeo experience. On Saturday, February 25th, people of Lufkin and the surrounding areas donned their boots and cowboy hats and came out to the 23rd annual CBR Lufkin Bull Bash - Deere Country Challenge at the George Henderson Expo Center.

Photo credit: Todd Maxey

The gates opened at 6pm and the fun began with a tailgate party, featuring music from Hunter McKithan and the Offenders. At 8pm, the Championship Bull Riding started, and spectators had the pleasure of watching thirty-five of the nation’s best bull riders ride approximately 50 bulls. Hector Cardona of Mexico received a score of 87 out of a possible 88 points on both of his rides, for an overall score of 175, which made him the winner that day. To see the athletic ability of the bull riders and the intensity of each ride made for an exciting time. The crowd was hanging onto every movement and all of the bull riders put on a excellent show.

Over 5,500 were in attendance at this year’s Bull Bash. After the bull riding, the country band Gloriana put on a fantastic concert.

A big thanks to the sponsors: Fish & Still Equipment, Kicks 105, and Cavender’s for a great Bull Bash 2012. See y’all next year!

Photo credit: Todd Maxey

On March 14th, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Texas Forestry Museum hosted the 16th annual Reading Railroad.

Open to children in 5th grade and younger, Reading Railroad provided parents and children with something fun and educational to do over Spring Break. Children were encouraged to use their imaginations through exploring the various “story stations” located throughout the museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits. Local celebrities and community leaders were present to lead story time featuring their favorite children’s books.

Guests of this event were welcome to travel through the Urban Wildscape Trail on the grounds of the museum. At the museum’s depot, guests were able to climb aboard the 1908 Baldwin Locomotive and 1901 Angelina & Neches River Railroad Caboose. Also available were crafts, activities, and snacks. This was a wonderful, hands-on experience for the children!

The 2012 Reading Railroad saw a great turnout, with over 150 people in attendance. This event is a fabulous opportunity to encourage children (and adults!) of all ages to embrace the gift and wonder of reading. The Texas Forestry Museum is proud to host it each year, and we look forward to this event being part of Lufkin for many years to come.

A huge thank you to Brookshire Brothers for sponsoring Reading Railroad so that it was completely free of charge and open to the entire community.

The Texas Forestry Museum is a private, non-profit organization located at 1905 Atkinson Dr. in Lufkin. Their hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., except major holidays. For more information on the Texas Forestry Museum and other events, visit their website: Texas Forestry Museum or call 936-632-9535.

February 13-17, 2012, the 63rd Angelina County Youth Fair was held at the Expo Center. This was a record year for the fair, with auction amounts totaling $326,910 – the most in fair history!

Throughout the week-long fair, over 1100 Angelina County students, ages 9 to 18, proudly exhibited livestock, arts and crafts, and ag mechanic projects, as well as cakes, cookies, and desserts. The Peewee Show was a big hit, as always, bringing future fair contestants to the Expo Center and giving them a taste of the show arena.

Hundreds of attendees came out to the Expo Center and expectantly watched to see who would be awarded the prestigious title of Grand Champion in each category and division. When the dust settled, these students were named the winners:

Livestock:
Grand Champion Steer: Andrew Polk, 4-H Horse Club; Grand Champion Hog: Aaron Loggins, Huntington 4-H; Grand Champion Market Goat: Kaydi Havard, Diboll 4-H; Grand Champion Market Lamb: Shelby Martin, Blue Ribbon 4-H; Grand Champion Pen of Broilers – Cheyenne Swor, Diboll FFA; Grand Champion Pen of Commercial Heifers – Hunter Linton, Diboll 4-H; Grand Champion Pen of Market Rabbits – Trace Lucas, Blue Ribbon 4-H; Best of Show Breeding Rabbits- Dylan Cartwright, Huntington 4-H; Overall Grand Champion Beef Heifer: Tyler Due, Huntington FFA; Grand Champion Gelding: Rachel Albritton, Huntington FFA; Grand Champion Filly: Thomas Boulware, Zavalla 4-H.

Ag Mechanics:
Ag Machinery and Equipment Division Winner – Hydraulic Dirt Scraper, Central FFA, Clayton Collemorgan, Tell Hanson, Colby Allen, Jacob Edwards; Home and Recreational Use Division Winner – Griddle, Central FFA, Kolby Russel; Livestock Equipment Division Winner – 140″ Entry Gate, Zavalla FFA, Alison Havard, Jordan Courtney; Tractor Division Winner – International 130, Hudson FFA, Buford Pfeiffer, Hunter Parker, Brent Berry, and Andrew Roberts; Trailer Division Winner – Drop Trailer/Car Hauler, Hudson FFA, Devan Wise, Chase Napier, Caylon Bailey, Hunter Hollis, Garrett Innerarity.

Food & Consumer Science:
Desserts:  First Place:  Junior – Mason Snelson, Central 4-H, Senior - Rachel Albritton, Huntington FFA; Cheesecake:  First Place:  Pre-Junior - Margaret Harris, 4-H Horse Club,  Junior – Sara Kate Harris, 4-H Horse Club, Senior – Karli Richardson, 4-H Horse Club; Pies:  First Place: Pre-Junior – Amber Kirkland, Huntington Middle FCCLA,  Junior – Camille Cumbie, 4-H Horse Club,  Senior – Bridget Chandler, Diboll FFA; Cookies: First Place:  Pre-Junior – Kendall Jackson, 4-H Horse Club,  Junior - Emma Cherry, Zavalla, 4-H,  Senior – Chandler Merrell, Hudson FCCLA; Bar Cookies:  First Place:  Pre-Junior – Mekayla Dover, Diboll 4-H,  Junior - Caroline Deaton, 4-H Horse Club,  Senior – Danesha Hardiman, Lufkin FCCLA: Frosted Cakes:  First Place:  Pre Junior – Kobie Johnson, Huntington Middle FCCLA,  Junior – Jeffrey Dover, Diboll 4-H,  Senior - Lauren Lindsay, Central FFA; With or Without Glaze Cakes: First Place: Pre Junior – Kyler Duren, Blue Ribbon 4-H, Junior – Jadyn Holt, Blue Ribbon 4-H, Senior –  Saushia Lewis, Lufkin FCCLA; Quick Breads:  First Place: Pre-Junior – Benjamin Penn, Blue Ribbon 4-H, Junior – Laura Long, Blue Ribbon 4-H, Senior – Erin Moore, Hudson FCCLA; Yeast Breads:  First Place: Pre-Junior – Kimberlin Arnold, 4-H Horse Club, Junior – Kara Piekert, Blue Ribbon 4-H, Senior – Kari Rosser, Hudson FFA.

Arts & Crafts:
Woodworking Best of Show:  Senior – Grace Grandgeorge, 4-H Horse Club, Junior – Royce Wilsie, Diboll FFA, Pre-Junior – Colby Payne, Blue Ribbon 4-H; Other Best of Show:  Senior – Kevin Hutto, Hudson FFA, Junior - Hannah Grandgeorge, 4-H Horse Club, Pre-Junior – Emily Hamilton, Huntington All-around 4-H; Fine Arts Best of Show:  Senior – Alaira Smoczky, Lufkin Art Club, Junior – Ramsey Campbell, Livestock 4-H, Pre-Junior – Adriana Guy, Lone Star 4-H; Photography Best of Show: Senior – Alex Dupre, Lufkin Art Club, Junior – Laura Long, Blue Ribbon 4-H, Pre- Junior – Cade Langford, Blue Ribbon 4-H; Wood/Metal Combo Best of Show:  Senior – Karli Richardson, 4-H Horse Club, Junior – Ethan Thornton, Blue Ribbon 4-H, Pre- Junior – Cooper Thornton, Blue Ribbon 4-H; Metal Best of Show:  Senior – Callie Jo Davis, Hudson FFA, Junior - Rhett Parmer, Central FFA, Pre-Junior – Weston Reynolds, Huntington All-around 4-H.

Eleven $1,000 scholarships (generously provided by Polk’s Pick It Up) were rewarded to the following Angelina County high school seniors:  Zane Anthony, Diboll; Rachel Albritton, Huntington; Kayla Caton, Zavalla; Karli Richardson, Lufkin; Paige Hutto, Hudson; John David Eddins, Diboll; Wilson Vier, Lufkin; Kari Rosser, Hudson; Darian Metts, Central;Adam Lowther, Diboll; and Shelby Martin, Lufkin.

Each fair contestant worked extremely hard to compete. Entering the fair is a huge commitment of time and effort, and for that, they are admired and applauded. This is an experience that they will remember forever. Congratulations to all of the 2012 Angelina County Youth Fair participants — you are all winners!

A huge thank you to the presenting sponsor Polk’s Pick It Up, the media sponsor KTRE, and the many volunteers and buyers from the community. Angelina County Youth Fair would not be what it is without your valuable involvement. See you all next year!

On February 18th, the second annual Princess and the Frog Tea Party was held at the Ellen Trout Zoo here in Lufkin. This year, ticket sales were expanded to 100 participants, and the entire event was sold out.

Little girls dressed in their finest royal attire visited the zoo for this magical event. Attended by their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, friends — and even some dads! — the girls settled in for an afternoon of fun and frilly activities. This event entertained a wide age range, as the ages of these small princesses spanned from 18 months to 11 years old.

There were two seatings for tea, held at 10am and 2pm, to accommodate the large group of participants. Upon arrival, the girls had their photos taken in the princess-themed photobooth. Next, a princess parade was held, allowing the girls to show their picture-perfect tea party attire. Then, in keeping with the educational theme of all Ellen Trout Zoo events, there was a short talk on frogs and their life cycle.

For some hands-on activities, there were crafts and games. The girls made frog masks, princess and frog door hangers, and large design-your-own frogs. The games included sack races and a lily pad bean bag toss. There was also a station where the girls could put on large scuba flippers and walk/hop like a frog. A fabulous time was had by all, and even some of the adults got in on the fun by participating in the sack races.

Tea time offered a grand spread, with chicken nuggets, chicken salad sandwiches, and fruit from Chick-fil-a; PB&J finger sandwiches cut into royal shapes; froggy sugar cookies from Confections; princess cupcakes from Mrs. Candi’s Cakes; Almond Tea from MarTeres Tea Room; and pink lemonade.

To remember the grand day she had, each princess went home with a goody bag and a keepsake photo.

The Princess and the Frog tea party is a fun and educational opportunity for girls to get dressed up, play with their friends, and be a princess for a day. The event was a huge success and the Ellen Trout Zoo is already excitedly planning for next year.

For more information about the zoo and other events, visit their website: Lufkin Zoo or call 936-633-0399.

All photos taken by the very talented Samantha Miller: Lufkin Photographer

The 1st annual Corks and Forks took place in downtown Lufkin on February 4th. This new event was held in Abram’s, the fabulous Main Event venue. Corks and Forks was a grand night of food, wine, music, art, and much laughter!

Lufkin’s finest chefs came out to provide samples of their best dishes to Corks and Forks attendees. Paired with these sweet and savory offerings were many different wines – red, white, and sparkling. With so many delicious items to choose from, there was plenty of food and drink for all appetites and tastes.

The Shades of Blue band performed wonderful jazz numbers that urged everyone to sway to the music and tap their toes. Local artists painted items on location, which were then auctioned off to excited bidders.

Participating restaurants included:

Stu and Abner’s Cheesecake . Posados Mexican Café . Grandough Baking Company . Milagros Tea House and Gifts . The Standpipe . Brookshire Brothers . Ralph and Kacoos . Lufkin Coca-Cola

Thanks to all who took part in the very first Corks and Forks. A HUGE thank you to our sponsors, Brookshire Brothers and The Main Event. The event was a tremendous success and served to bring the people of Lufkin together for an elegant evening of eating, drinking, and lots of merriment. We are looking forward to seeing you all next year!

On January 28th, the Ellen Trout Zoo hosted a workshop for local educators called Growing Up WILD. The workshop was facilitated by Samantha Miller, and showcased an interdisciplinary curriculum promoted by Texas Parks and Wildlife. The goal of Growing Up WILD is to connect children ages 3-7 with nature and the outdoors by providing teachers with resources and ideas to incorporate into their classrooms.

After receiving books for the workshop, the teachers watched demonstrations of and participated in both indoor and outdoor hands-on activities. Ms. Miller incorporated science, art, math, and snack time into the training that day. There were eleven educators who took part in the workshop, and a wonderful time was had by all. Because Growing Up WILD is an accredited program, the attendees were able to receive professional development credit for the 3-hour workshop.

Growing Up WILD is a fantastic learning experience that presents teachers with unique resources that they may not have access to otherwise. The workshop also provides creative ideas to assist them in teaching their students about the beautiful world around them.

For more information about Growing Up Wild or the Ellen Trout Zoo, visit the zoo’s website: Lufkin Zoo, or call 936-633-0399.

Lufkin has really been getting into the Christmas spirit this month. Many of Lufkin’s businesses are finding their own unique ways to celebrate in the holiday season and get the community involved.

On December 9th, the Texas Forestry Museum hosted its annual “Christmas at the Company Store,” which lasted from 10am-6pm. Patrons received 10% off all purchases, with museum members and volunteers experiencing additional savings. Those who made gift shop purchases were also entered to win a drawing for the grand prize of a gift basket full of holiday treats.

Carolers from Coston Elementary came to participate in the festivities and put everyone in the mood for Christmas with their beautiful songs. Delicious holiday snacks were served all day to shoppers and museum visitors.

The Texas Forestry Museum is a huge part of Lufkin, and all of East Texas. It is a non-profit organization that depends on its members and donors. Events like Christmas at the Company Store help keep the museum open, so that it can be enjoyed by our community. For more information on the museum, visit their website: Texas Forestry Museum or give them a call: 936-632-9535.

If you think the only way to ornament a Christmas tree is in traditional red and green, think again. The Museum of East Texas is currently hosting the 17th annual Festival of Trees. In the halls of the museum, you will see every color of the rainbow adorning 90 fully decorated Christmas trees.

Every year during the Festival of Trees, the museum is transformed into a beautiful Christmas tree forest. Each tree is bedecked with baubles galore. The trees vary in size – anywhere from three to 12 feet tall – and are uniquely decorated specifically for or by the tree’s sponsor. Trees can be sponsored by local families, individuals, or businesses. The Lufkin Daily News, Atkinson’s Candies, and Popeye’s are just a few of the businesses represented by their own tree this year.

The Festival of Trees is one of the museum’s largest fundraisers. Donations are accepted and go towards scholarships for Art Camp, as well as other needs the museum may have throughout the year. Children who may not otherwise be able to afford attendance to Art Camp will now have the opportunity, thanks to Festival contributions.

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, head to the Museum of East Texas. Walking through the halls filled with gorgeously embellished Christmas trees is sure to warm your heart and put a holiday smile on your face.

The Festival will continue from now until January 3rd. For more information, such as hours of operation, visit the Museum of East Texas website or call (936) 639-4434.

Photo credit: JOEL ANDREWS/The Lufkin Daily News