Parade, hay bale decorating, more start in October
Celebration
Crisp oak leaves, high school football and hot apple cider; fall is almost here and it is time once again for Hopkins County’s annual Fall Festival.
Parade—The Fall Festival kicks off Oct. 19 with the parade starting at 10 a.m. at Buford Park. Grand marshal of the parade is Hopkins County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Brad Cummings.
Last year’s parade weaved its way through the Celebration Plaza and featured floats from the Hopkins County Senior and Dairy Festival queens, area high school clubs, girl scouts and many local businesses.
Senior Citizens Day—Oct. 22 marks Senior Citizens Day at the festival beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center at 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. An award will be presented to male and female senior volunteers of the year. Refreshments begin at 1:45 p.m., and bingo begins at 2 p.m.
Carnival—On Oct. 23-26 the Triple T Amusements Carnival will be at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center. Triple T’s website boasts 28 types of rides including the Octopus, Dragon Coaster and Viper. Concessions include candy apples and cotton candy, and games and prizes will also available.
Oct. 25 and 26 are the big days for the Fall Festival. The following activities will be available:
Kids zone jump zone—Free jump zone with inflatables from Jerry’s Jump Zone. For safety, the jump zone will be monitored by the Sulphur Springs High School student council. SSHS student council members will also provide face painting. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Kids zone petting zoo—For the young and young at heart, farm animals are provided by the SSHS Future Farmers of America. Be careful, goats like to nibble. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Arts and crafts show—Marvel at the skill of artists and crafters from around Hopkins County as entries to the creative arts contest are on display in the SSHS cafeteria 1-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Saturday. An artist yourself? Have a piece you’d like to submit? Contact Johanna Hicks at 903-885-3443 to enter your submission.
Boutique market—Want an easy way to support local businesses? Check out the boutique market in the SSHS gym 10 a.m.-6 p.m. featuring local vendors selling fashion, apparel and much more from their shops.
Exhibit hall— Even more shopping! Vendors and merchants will pack the Civic Center banquet hall 10 a.m.-6 p.m. with a wide selection to purchase and learn about.
Earl W. Martin 42 Tournament—Taking place at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center at 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive starting at 1 p.m., this dominoes tournament honors Earl W. Martin, a famous long-time attendee of the Hopkins County event. The tournament boasts cash prizes as well as fun for all. Early registration before Oct. 18 is $10; after Oct. 18, registration costs go up to $25. To register, contact Karon Weatherman at 903-885-1661 or email mealaday@yahoo.com
The Addams Family Musical—SSHS presents The Addams Family Musical Nov. 2-4 at the SSISD Auditorium. Get ready for a night of frights or a matinee if that’s more your thing. Showtimes are Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m.
And don’t forget your hay bales! Hay bale decorating will be ongoing the entire month of October, with winners announced at 2 p.m. on Oct. 26. For more information, contact Shirley Patchen at 903-885-5914.