CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE – Veterans across the county celebrated the Fourth of July Wednesday with an Independence Day program that included the presentation of colors and reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Veterans Memorial Park in Decatur. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
On July 4th, Victory Family Church in Decatur put on a fireworks show enjoyed by old and young alike, including 4-year-old Desirae Bible of Decatur. The event also included bounce houses, water slides and snow cones. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
THIS WEEKEND’S EVENTS …
BUCCANEER’S BASH - The Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Department presents the Buccaneer’s Bash 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Bridgeport City Pool. Moms and sons are invited for a hot dog dinner, contest, games, dancing, prizes and swimming. Tickets are $10 per couple and $5 per additional son. Tickets are on sale at city hall and the pool.
FIREFIGHTER FUNDRAISER – The Sand Flat Fire Department’s annual fundraiser starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 7, at the Fire Hall, 745 CR 1744. The event includes barbecue, drinks, a live auction and raffle. The department will also honor retiring Fire Chief Foy Mitchell, who helped start the department 11 years ago, at 12:30 p.m.
CASA TRAINING – Training for volunteers of CASA of Wise and Jack counties begins Saturday, July 7, at their offices, 300 E. Pecan St., in Decatur. For information, call (940) 627-7535.
NEXT WEEK’S EVENTS …
DIY CAMP - The Texas AgriLife Extension is hosting a “Do It Yourself” Day Camp on Mondays this summer. Each Monday is a different theme. Create new treasures by recycling old relics. Gear up for Water Camp by learning about water. Get your hands dirty while gardening. Learn how to build and launch rockets. Create culinary masterpieces in the kitchen. The D.I.Y. Monday Day Camp is open to all youth ages 8 to 12 and will be held at the Extension office 1 to 5 p.m. on Mondays July 9, 16, 23 and 30. Call the Extension office at (940) 627-3341 for information.
SCV MEETING - The Sons of Confederate Veterans will meet in Decatur at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 10 at the Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church. The program will be presented by Game Warden Chris Dowdy.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING – The Paradise Historical Society will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at El Paraiso Restaurant in Paradise. Dr. Keitha Story-Stephenson, radio talk show host and owner of BlueSky Wellness, will be guest speaker. Admission, which includes an enchilada plate dinner, is $10 at the door. The regular bi-monthly meeting of the historical society will follow at 7 p.m. Call (940) 859-3691 for information.
DAY CAMP - Michaela Elliott and her ministry group “The Foundry” from Nashville is hosting a mini day camp for Sonflower Campers 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Community Church in Decatur. The event will include music, face painting, games and food. RSVP to Andrea Duwe at (940) 395-3356.
THEATER SHOW – The Decatur Public Library Summer Reading Club presents “Peter Rabbit and the Mysterious Magic Hat,” a live, interactive theater show, at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 10. The Summer Reading Club is a free program open to children of all ages. Call the library at (940) 393-0290 for information.
IMMUNIZATION CLINIC – Texas Department of State Health Services is having an immunization clinic Tuesday, July 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Decatur, 104 S. Miller. Times are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is based on a sliding fee scale. A parent must bring a shot record. Call (940) 665-6397 for information.
LIBRARY GRAND OPENING – The grand opening of the new location of the Alvord Public Library at 104 Franklin is 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 11. Refreshments will be served.
