What’s Happening in Cherokee County

The Cherokeean Herald welcomes announcements for publication in our weekly edition. Please submit calendar information by noon Friday for publication in the following Wednesday’s edition of our paper. Send information to news@thecherokeean.com.

THROUGH MAY 29

The Heritage Center of Cherokee County will host a month-long Ruth Ross Art Exhibit through May 29 at the 208 Henderson St. museum in Rusk, with hours set from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as 11a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. A silent auction will be held in conjunction with the event. To learn more, call museum director Betty Marcontell, 903-714-8685.

MAY 20

Cline Family Clinic will host this month’s Rusk Chamber of Commerce B.A.S.H. mixer, from 4 to 6 p.m., 1400 N. Dickinson Dr. A ribbon cutting ceremony also is planned at that time.

MAY 21

Legacy at Jacksonville will host a First Responders Fish Fry from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, May 21, at 810 Bellaire in Jacksonville. While the meal is free for local first responders, plates are $5 for non-responders.

MAY 21-23

The 16th annual “Spring Thing” food and diaper rally, held at 22053 CR 2147 in Troup and hosted by 42 Taillights M/C, benefits Wonder Women Outreach ministry. The free event – which has primitive camping, running showers and bathrooms and a shaded play area for children – features horseshoes, bike games, live entertainment and Sunday church. A diaper raffle (cost is a package of diapers or $10 per ticket) also will be held. Cost is $25 per person for the whole weekend. $5 discount on entry fee with food donation.

MAY 22

Remembering Those Buried at Cedar Hill “A Walk Through History.” Deborah Burkett and Betty Marcontell will host a program from 5-7 pm at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Rusk. Program participants will include individuals who have ancestors buried in one of the oldest cemeteries in Texas. Everyone is invited to this free event; bring a lawn chair and go far back to the oldest section. After the outdoor portion of the event, everyone is invited to the Heritage Center of Cherokee County (208 South Henderson Street in Rusk) for refreshments and a tour of the museum.

Mission Tejas State Park will host an Edible and Medicinal Plant Hike, with Ranger Jared Shamburger leading the hike from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at the site, located outside Alto on Texas Highway 21.

MAY 25

Tickets for this year’s Troup Chamber of Commerce awards dinner go on sale Tuesday, May 25, at $15 per person. They will be available at Troup City Hall and at the local Austin Bank. To learn more, contact Suzanne, 903-574-3928 or email troupchamber@trouptx.com. The dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 17, at Troup High School.

MAY 27

A ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 27, celebrates the re-opening of the Jacksonville Public Library at 526 E. Commerce St.

MAY 29

A 5K Warrior Run is planned Saturday, May 29, with proceeds going to support the work of the Military Veteran Peer Network. Fees range from $30 for early bird registration before May 1; $35 per person for registration May 1-21; $45 event day registration; and $25 for virtual participation, with a May 15 sign-up deadline. To learn more, contact Jennifer at fortheloveofnutrition@gmail.com or the Rusk Chamber of Commerce, info@ruskchamber.com.

Mission Tejas State Park Ranger Jared Shamburger will lead a Tree ID 101 forestry hike from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 29, at the site, located outside Alto on Texas Highway 21.

The 33rd annual Fair on the Square will be held Saturday, May 29, on the courthouse square in Rusk, with food, fun and entertainment on tap, including a car show, a cornhole tourney, vendors and more. In conjunction with the fair, a pet parade will be held at 9:45 a.m.,

Rusk KOA Holiday will host a hot dog & hamburger Memorial Day celebration, from noon to 2 p.m. at the 745 FM 343 East campground in Rusk. Vendors, entertainment and games will be set up, with a car show held in conjunction with the event. Contact 903-683-6641 for more information.

Lake Striker Resort will host a Memorial Day Celebration, beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 29, at the 18560 South CR 4256 resort in Reklaw. The evening includes fireworks and an outdoor concert featuring Casey Martin Band and special guest Committed Cowboy Band. Entry to the family event is $10 for ages 13 and older; no charge for those younger than 12, with tickets available at the gate or online at www.stubwire.com.

JUNE

During the month of June, the Cameron – J. Jarvis Troup Municipal Library, located in downtown Troup, will host “Grill Friends: Get the Facts” Tuesdays during the month of June, from 11 a.m. to noon, beginning June 8. The series is sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension of Smith County. To learn more, call 903-842-3101.

JUNE 5

Jacksonville Education Foundation will host a fishing tournament 6 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 5, on Lake Jacksonville; a $150 fee will be assessed per each 2-man team. Proceeds will fund scholarships and classroom grants. Interested sponsors may contact stephanie.mcneill@jisdfoundation.org.

Registration for the Jacksonville Tribe Youth Sports program kicks off Saturday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bowens Temple Church, 308 N. Bolton St. in Jacksonville for the following age groups: Flag, ages 4 to 6, $85 fee; freshmen, ages 7 and 8, $150; sophomore, ages 9 and 10, $150; junior, ages 11 and 12, $150. Participants must provide a birth certificate, a recent photo and a physical form/wellness check. Practice begins July 26, with time and location to be announced. For more information, contact Derrick at 903-284-1793, or email derrickdonnell33@gmail.com.

JUNE 5-12

The city’s annual Tomato Fest – now in its 37th year – returns to Jacksonville, with a week packed full of activity from June 5-12. Events include a farmers’ market, tomato-eating contest, car show, farm to table, arts & crafts and more. The festival will be held June 5.

Life Recovery Church of Jacksonville is hosting a fundraiser for its Men of Purpose group, offering a $1,000 Visa gift card drawing during the Tomato Fest. Tickets, which are $10 each, are available at 201 E. Commerce St. in Jacksonville or by contacting David, 903-284-3814. Meanwhile, the women’s SWAG prayer group will host a drawing for a Pioneer Woman Bundle and Pampered Chef items, with tickets at $10 each or 3 for $25, with tickets available at Tomato Fest.

The Jacksonville Garden Club will be selling bricks with information of loved one who served in the military. The bricks will be placed near the Patriotic Pathway in Buckner Park in honor of all veterans and active. For more information, contact us through Facebook Message at Jacksonville Garden Club (Texas).

JUNE 6

A “Mr. & Miss Tomato Fest” pageant for youths up to age 18 will be held as part of this year’s Tomato Festival in Jacksonville. The event is Sunday, June 6, at Woodland Height Baptist Church, 273 E. Loop 204 in Jacksonville, with boys and girls divisions. Entry is $50 per child. Contact Stephanie Toch, 903-284-7458, or email stephf_86@yahoo.com.

JUNE 17

The 2021 Troup Chamber of Commerce awards dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 17, at Troup High School. Tickets are $15 per person and available at Troup City Hall and at the local Austin Bank. To learn more, contact Suzanne, 903-574-3928 or email troupchamber@trouptx.com.

JUNE 20

Lake Striker Resort will host a murder mystery dinner, 6 p.m. Sunday, June 20, at 18560 County Road 4256 South in Reklaw. Ticket sales begin June 1 at noon, at $20 per person ages 12 and older.

JULY 2-3

The Texas Hobo Cook-off & Gypsy Jamboree returns to Cherokee County July 2-3 as a fundraiser for the 4-H and youth development program of Cherokee County. The event – held at Rusk KOA Holiday, 745 FM 343 in Rusk – features an array of cooking competitions including an IBCA 3-meat contest, food, fun and entertainment. To enter a competition, visit www.txhobocookoff.com.

JULY 10

Registration for the Jacksonville Tribe Youth Sports program kicks off Saturday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bowens Temple Church, 308 N. Bolton St. in Jacksonville for the following age groups: Flag, ages 4 to 6, $85 fee; freshmen, ages 7 and 8, $150; sophomore, ages 9 and 10, $150; junior, ages 11 and 12, $150. Participants must provide a birth certificate, a recent photo and a physical form/wellness check. Practice begins July 26, with time and location to be announced. For more information, contact Derrick at 903-284-1793, or email derrickdonnell33@gmail.com