I am so grateful to everyone who helped make the Shepherd Independence Day Celebration a success. Thank you to all those who came out and enjoyed the music and dancing, the great food vendors and the vendors with their unique and excellent goods.
Thank you to the wonderful firework display by Mr. Guzman and his team. It was a perfect way to end the long day. Thanks to the Police Department, Chief Clint Headley and his officers who joined in with the festivities but worked hard at the end to make sure the traffic moved smoothly out of the Center.
American Legion Post 629 began the proceedings with the MIA/POW Flag Ceremony and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the prayer given by Brenda Myers, founder of the Impact Center. I introduced our State Rep. Janis Holt who gave a short but very gracious speech. She will visit again in the future as a guest of Shepherd Chamber to give us all an update on the working of State Legislature.
The music and games for kids were energetic and a great deal of fun with many groups dancing. Line dancing and ballroom dancing were enjoyed by many and Brenda Myers, with help from Walterine Carr, orchestrated the games for a large number of kids of all ages. In between we listened to Gregg Cones sing songs by some of the greats of the past and some present.
Inside the Community Center vendors sold unique handmade items and food. We had eggs, live chicks, preserves and mouthwatering chocolate chip cookies, Mandarin orange cake and more from Whisk and Feather Farm. I know they are delicious from personal experience. Joy-Ful Creations had a large display of goodies including freeze dried fruit, vegetables and candy.
Again, I tried a selection, and they are almost addictive. Go to Joy-fulcreations@yahoo.com. The Rev. Michael Nix was there with his leather goods — wallets, holsters, wristbands with decorative silver, even leather earrings.
If you have bought anything from Sourdough Heavenly Bakes you will always want to eat this organic sourdough bread, chocolate chip scones, sundried tomato and parmesan cheese bread, etc. This is only a small sample of the goods on sale so please look the vendors up on their Facebook pages for their information.
The San Jacinto County Democratic Party had a table for information as did Friends of Hopewell manned, or should I say “womaned” by Margaret Williams. Vicky Caldwell had an astonishing display of handmade jewelry, I bought some. It was a good day all round.
Music played as we all watched the fireworks. It was a wonderful display. Thank you, Mr. Guzman. Thank you, Chief Clint Headley and his officers, who mixed with the crowd and enjoyed the day while they made sure the traffic was able to exit the park area safely onto Highway 150.
•So, after the holiday, it is back to work or normal routine. Shepherd Chamber has two new members who will have ribbon cuttings soon. Coldspring Chamber has a Lunch on Tuesday July 8 at 11:30 a.m. at the Coldspring Community Center. Price is $15 each, the speakers include SAAFE House and SBDC. Call the Chamber office for details.
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.
