A local official spoke before Shepherd City Council last Monday. He wanted to give everyone knowledge of the effect the 2026 World Cup would have on our area.
The World Cup is the ultimate soccer contest and Houston will be the host for most of June through July 15, 2026. Our area is divided into zones. San Jacinto County is in zone 4. How will this affect us?
Apparently, soccer teams will bring their families, as will all those connected to them. Even at this early stage one third of all B&Bs have been booked in the area as well as one third of all charter buses. Traffic will increase as there will be tourists visiting our area and since they will be here for July 4 celebrations, they will be enjoying the day with us.
The FIFA World Cup will play in many areas of the USA, but 48 countries will play across our country and Canada and Mexico. Tickets are selling fast, prices are expensive. However, this is an opportunity for businesses to make the most of the opportunity to serve so many visitors during our summer.
•Coldspring Senior Center held its Fish Friday last week. As always, the place was packed, and the sponsor was Kristy Daigle in memory of her parents. When Kristy's father Ronald Viator died, she decided to sponsor the meal in his memory. Then her mother passed away the day before, so the day was a very poignant one for her. Instead of cake, banana pudding was served since it was a favorite of her parents.
•Later that evening, SJC Women's League held their fundraiser in the Senior Center. It was bingo night. A packed room had a lot of fun playing Bingo with Jessica Rutherford calling the numbers. President Mary Ann Pittman welcomed everyone and said the money made would be given away, as is always the case, to local charities, libraries, scholarships etc. Judy Chatham sold tickets, and Doug Pittman gave the prayer.
It was a very happy and successful night. Women's League meets every second Thursday for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Coldspring Community Center. A guest speaker is always interesting, and the food is excellent catered by Mary Gray.
Last week we heard from Veronica Slade Boys and Girls Country of Houston, a residential home for children from 5 years old to college age. Even after college, these young people can return to their home, the only place they have known for years. Set on 200 acres with eight cottages which house either boys or girls with house parents, this is a wonderful place for children in trauma or whose parents are not there for them for one or another reason.
It is a non-profit supported by donations from many businesses and well worth helping by volunteering or donating. It was started in 1971 and is located in the Cypress-Tomball area.
•The Democratic Party of our county hosted speaker Keith Coleman last week. He spoke of ideas for the future for our area. The Family Restaurant made gumbo with cornbread since it was a cooler day, which was enjoyed by all.
The Republican Party of San Jacinto County has a list of all candidates running in our district. They are also selling tickets for their Reagan/Trump Dinner, to be held at the County Shelter on Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. You may buy them online.
•Parades for both chambers of commerce must enter a form before the day. Call the office for information or to be put on the list. Shepherd will be first on Dec. 6; the line up starts at 4 p.m. and the parade starts at 6. Fee is $25.
Vendors will be at the Square by the Library this year. Food vendors are $50, other vendors $25. Coldspring follows the Saturday after.
Contact the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce at (210) 995-7420 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184.
Yvonne Cones is president of the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.
