There were a number of venders showcasing jewelry, artwork, gourmet foods, and much more. Representatives from APET SPCA, Animal Preservation of East Texas had a booth and were passing out information about local spay and neuter clinics. They have a local - Winnsboro - veterinarian who is participating in the program that offers the spay and neuter services for $20.00 for dogs and $10.00 for cats. This includes a rabies shot.

Sandy Hocking, the Winnsboro Coordinator for the organization explained that the cost of the surgeries is subsidized by donations and grants to APET. "We're just trying to get to as many animals as we can in an attempt to stem the tide of unwanted cats and dogs," she said.

To take advantage of this spay/neuter program people can call Winnsboro Veterinary Medical Center at 903-342-3563 and ask for an "APET" appointment. APET was founded in Mineola and serves all of Wood County. It is run totally by volunteers.

A new vender this year was Moon's Harvest Bath & Body Trends owned by Terry Moon (below L) and her daughter Erica Moon. They make handcrafted soaps the old fashioned way, using the Cold Process method. This process of making soap dates back to the pioneer days, like Grandma used to do. They do not use the chemicals that store bought soaps contain so their soap does not dry a person's skin. They gave me a sample of their Lavender Soap, and it was heavenly. It did what they promised, left my skin soft and moist, and the light fragrance was not overpowering the way some scented soaps can be.

The mother/daughter duo are from Lindale and have been in business for four years. In addition to the "people products" they also have items for pets and part of the profits from those sales are donated to the SPCA of East Texas.

There were a number of food venders serving up roasted turkey legs, barbecue and more. But no funnel cakes. They promised to bring the fixin's for them next year. What is a street fair without a funnel cake?

 

 

In front of the Trails Country Centre For The Arts, board members Becky Pickett (L)and Adrienne Walters were selling nachos and other goodies. Bobby Holt, husband of Sharlene Hold, who is also on TCCA's board had to stop for a quick bite.

Inside TCCA, there was an exhibit of the artwork from the "If I Ruled The World" student art contest. This was a community service project for the Centre, to encourage creativity in young people as well as let more school districts know about TCCA and what it has to offer. "We had a total of 78 entries from 8 school districts," Cindy Fisher, Acting Director and VISTA worker, said. "And we are just thrilled with the response. We also talked to about five other districts who plan to participate next year. This is something that can really grow over time."

The work submitted was primarily visual art in several mediums, including sculpture, but there were a few literary pieces submitted, and one musical composition. Two entries tied for the Best of Show Award; a musical composition by 15 year old Hannah Coody from Mineola and a graphite drawing (R) by Elise Atterberry from Hawkins High School.

 

Other notables were Heather Owens who won a first place in watercolor.(L) She is also from Hawkins.

Nick Turner, (below R) a senior at Winnsboro High, won an honorable mention for his photograph (L) Nick said that photography is just one of the creative interests he has. He is also in band - percussion - and plans to go to NTCC next year to study photography. He is also very involved in Walnut Street Baptist Church.

 

The pencil drawing of the basket and soaps ( below L) was done by Memorial Middle School student, Courtney Lee Ann Phillips, and she won a first place in visual arts. First Place in sculpture was won by Gerson J. Moreno of Sulphur Springs ISD.

 

 

The People's Choice Award for the show was given to Riley Alexander of Winnsboro for his acrylic painting. (below)

 

From the Art Centre, visitors could go across the street to the Winnsboro Depot where there were several activities going on. Winnsboro Historian Bill Jones gave tours of the historic Winnsboro Depot and passed out literature about the history of the area.

VISTA workers were also on hand to meet people and talk about the jobs they are doing for organizations around Winnsboro, as well as for the city's economic developments. Elizabeth Joslin, who is pictured here with Bill Jones, is working with HYPE, and one of their projects is to renovate MLK park. She is also helping the organization with finding funding for scholarships. She lives in Quitman and said she found out about the VISTA program from her grandmother, Phyllis Martin, who is also a VISTA worker. "I came up and applied and got accepted," she said. "And I'm glad I did. I am enjoying the work and I have met so many nice people. I'm liking Winnsboro a lot."

Bill Jones felt obliged to say how he came to settle in Winnsboro. "I was hitchhiking through town and nobody would pick me up."

Phyllis Martin works with the Economic Development Commission of Winnsboro and has already written three grants. One that is funded is for the proposed Skate Park. She and Elizabeth are organizing a youth board that will work with Debbie Lopez in the planning of the skate park. The youth board will also give input to the City Council on things that would benefit the youth of the community.

Phyllis was also one of the people working on organizing the Farmer's Market that had it's grand opening that Saturday. Local farmers can bring fruits and vegetables for sale and people can take advantage of the opportunity to get fresh produce and other items.

The Winnsboro Chamber of Commerce sponsored an "Ag Day" that featured tractors and other farm equipment on display. It seemed like a natural to have that in conjunction with the opening of the Farmer's Market, and plenty of people walked over to check out the machinery.

 

At the far end of the Depot parking lot, there were games for kids, and ten year old Emily Raley (L) of Quitman, loved the rock climb.