Fall Festival
Fall traditions in Sulphur Springs: carnival, stew and parade.
The annual Fall Festival parade will leave Buford Park at 10 a.m. Saturday (today) on the traditional route down Houston Street to Church Street, around Celebration Plaza, out Gilmer Street to the end point at Lee Street.
Be prepared to see a variety of local businesses, civic groups, first responders and high school clubs and organizations represented.
Brad Cummings, Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace, is this year’s grand marshal.
The parade kicks off a week of events and activities, including:
Tuesday, Oct. 22: Senior Citizens Day activities begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center at 150 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Male and female Senior Volunteers of the Year will receive awards, Refreshments will be served starting at 1:45 p.m., with BINGO beginning at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 23-Saturday, Oct. 26: Triple T Amusements Carnival will be at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Oct. 23-26 with 28 types of rides including the Octopus, Dragon Coaster and Viper. Concessions will include candy apples and cotton candy, and games and prizes will also available.
Friday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Oct. 26: The high point of the Fall Festival. The following activities will be available:
• Kids Zone — Free children’s activities, including inflatables from Jerry’s Jump Zone (monitored by the Sulphur Springs High School student council), face painting, water walking balls and a barrel train ride. 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. 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.
• Mardi Bras for the Cause — Just like last year, in a new location. The event will be held in conjunction with the 50th annual Hopkins County Stew Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct. 26. The decorated bras will be on display Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, in the new 2019 Stew Fest Market, which will be located on the south side of Buford Park. Voting will be open all day on Saturday at $1 per vote, and results will be announced Saturday.
• 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
Hay bale decorating contest winners will be announced at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.