Our warm summer temperatures seem to drag on, but cooler weather is on the way! The start of football season, the appearance of fall clothing in store windows, and the abundance of fall decorations trigger a new attitude in many folks. Along with fall, many folks in Hopkins County and beyond look forward to the Hopkins County Fall Festival. Last week’s column focused on the Creative Arts Contest, and already the interest seems to be building. Letters went out to several teachers in Hopkins County, and nursing home/assisted living facilities have received the information, as well. My wonderful volunteers met to firm up details and sign up for tasks to be done. Now, we invite you to put the dates on your calendar and encourage you to participate!
The 2018 Arts & Crafts Show is another major event which takes place during the Fall Festival. For those of you who are new to the Hopkins County Fall Festival, this is a crowd favorite each year. The show is held in the Sulphur Springs High School cafeteria, north entrance hallway, and north walkway leading into the school. The show is open to the public on Friday, October 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There is no admittance fee, but be sure to bring plenty of money to do some shopping!
For individuals who would like to have a space in the show to sell their items, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
1) This show is for handmade/hand-crafted items only. Commercially made items or commercial business will not be allowed. (Commercial vendors may contact Tracy Dennis for exhibit space in the Civic Center.)
2) Applications are available at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs, or may be found on the Hopkins County Fall Festival website or https://hopkins.agrilife.org. Applications will be accepted until spaces are no longer available, but preferably by October 9. (A refund will be made if unforeseen circumstances prevent participation.)
3) No questionable items may be sold. This is a family event.
4) Inside space sizes are 8×8 (single space), or 16×8 (double space), on a first-come, first-served basis.
5) Electrical outlets are very limited. As of this writing, all spaces with available electricity are spoken for unless you bring an extremely long extension cord.
6) Outdoor spaces are also available under the covered walkway. Others may wish to bring a canopy for uncovered outdoor spaces.
7) Set up hours are: Friday, October 26, 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. Note: exhibitors may not set up on Thursday, as school is in session and the committee must have time to mark the spaces.
8) The Arts & Crafts Show is open to the public on Friday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Exhibitors are asked to stay until 4:00 p.m. No early pack-up unless cleared with coordinator in advance.
9) For those exhibiting for one day only, outdoor spaces will be assigned. Contact my office for single day fee information.
10) A confirmation letter, including directions to the facility, unloading, and parking information will be sent to exhibitors after receipt of registration and payment.
Contact my office for more details or if you have questions. Spaces are filling up nicely, but we still have room. Hope to see you at the 2018 Hopkins County Arts & Crafts Show!
Cooking Well with Diabetes
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.5% of Hopkins County residents have been diagnosed with diabetes. That is up from approximately 10% previously. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides research and evidence-based programs on this topic. Do Well, Be Well took place in April, and Cooking Well for Diabetes will be held in September. Please help spread the word! Here are the details:
- What is Cooking Well with Diabetes? This is a 4-lesson series to help individuals with type 2 diabetes understand the important correlation between food choices and diabetes control, learn to modify recipes, and sample some tasty recipes.
- When is it? Four sessions: Mondays and Thursdays, September 10, 13, 17, and 20
- What are the topics? Carbohydrate Foods & How they affect your blood sugar; Making Recipes with Fat Better for You; Double-pleasure Side Dishes; and Celebrating Sensibly with Diabetes
- What time? Two times are being offered to fit participant schedules, so pick a time: 1:30 or 6:00 p.m. (Must have at least 5 per session)
- What does it cost? The total cost for the series is $25, payable at the first session, which covers materials, recipes, cooking demonstrations, door prizes, and completion gifts.
- Where will it take place? All sessions will be held at the Hopkins County Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
- How do I sign up? Call our office by Wednesday, September 5, at 903-885-3443, and give us your name, address, and phone number. A registration form will be mailed to you, or if you prefer, you may fill it out at the first session, but you still need to call us!
Save the Date!
I’ve received inquiries about the 2018 Christmas Joys program. It has been scheduled and plans are well underway for another fantastic program. Save the date: Monday, November 5, 2018. That’s all I going to say about it for now, but watch for more to come!
Closing Thought
Be a river of blessing – not a lake of accumulation – Vicki Hitzges
