Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

SUNDAY June 28, 2020

We've just about gotten another LONG month behind us in the midst of the pandemic of 2020 that also included the longest day of the year. We saw several from the Upper East Side of Texas at virtual Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice sunset and sunrise! It's so fun to see and chat with people in these virtual events. Stay tuned to our website and social media as we continue to gather virtual events for you and let you know about safe things to do in person in the Upper East Side of Texas. Please continue to wear face coverings and social distance as needed in public places — we all must do our part as we work together in the battle against COVID-19.

Next Saturday we celebrate America's independence gained more than 240 years ago from an oppressive 1700s Britain. Numerous events are taking place throughout the region. Some offer safe distancing where you can bring your own picnic and chairs to enjoy while others encourage watching from your vehicles or nearby parking lots. Some towns are featuring virtual viewing as well. While the fireworks fill the night sky July 4th, let's remember to stand up for liberty for all people of the United States of America.

The July/August eBook is available in a couple of days from our website with 60 PAGES of new articles, photographs, and messages from our generous partners.

Stay in touch with more of what's going on in the region on our website and social media. If you aren't already signed up for a free subscription to the COUNTY LINE WEEKLY you can do that HERE.

Sulphur Springs Downtown Fireworks by Steven Hack

FEATURE

Let's Build an Outdoor Shower

With things slowed down by the Pandemic Pause of 2020, more people are enjoying getting projects done around their home. This article by Ryan Hanson, is one of the most popular ever in our archives. Thousands of people have read it and we can't even imagine how many outdoor showers may now exist because he got them motivated and how many families are grateful for all the dirt and grime left outside their homes.

Although outdoor showers used to be reserved for those with large, sprawling backyard pools, Hansen says, that's not the case anymore. Outdoor showers are more common now for anyone with a backyard, imagination, and extended summer weather.

"An outdoor shower is exactly what you make it, literally," Hanson says. "It can add some personality and style to any backyard and will certainly add a degree of functionality."

LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

Join Willie Nelson for Annual 4th of July Picnic

It's a tradition for thousands of people each year to attend Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic and coordinators are not letting COVID-19 stop the show. They are bringing the gigantic picnic to the public virtually this year.

There is an entry fee to see it — $35 now and $45 on event day . The show features live streamed performances, a barbecue cook-along with Chef Scott Roberts of The Salt Lick, and a special 90-minute concert film-style segment. The film features beloved acts and exclusive interviews with the characters that made the picnic a one-of-a-kind celebration during its 47-year legacy.

Luck Reunion is producing the event. The organization began as an exclusive event on Willie's Luck, Texas, ranch. Their mission is to cultivate and celebrate the evolution of American roots and those legacies still living and new talents cropping up.

Willie performs a set with his Family Band at Pedernales Studios, outside of Austin, while other artists deliver songs from home. Margo Price, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Steve Earle, and Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are among those performing. Others include Asleep At The Wheel, Charley Crockett, Devon Gilfillian, John Doe, Johnny Bush, Kinky Friedman, Kurt Vile, Matthew Houck, The McCrary Sisters, Particle Kid, Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Robert Earl Keen, Shakey Graves, The Peterson Brothers, Vincent Neil Emerson, and Ziggy Marley.

The concert streams Saturday, July 4th, beginning at 3:30 p.m. CST via luck.stream and williepicnic.com.

DESTINATION COUNTY LINE

Fort Boggy State Park

If tranquility has a home, it’s probably at Fort Boggy State Park near Centerville, Texas. One of the state’s smaller parks, Fort Boggy is unknown to many, yet has a convenient location halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth on Interstate 45.

The 15-acre lake receives its waters from a spring with cooler temperatures, which is perfect for summer swimming. Hiking and biking trails are suitable for families with children. The park offers a 1.5-mile lake trail and a 2-mile nature trail. Fishing is also popular at Fort Boggy State Park. Visitors fish from the pier, the lake bank, or on the water from small boats or paddle boats. The park has a small boat ramp, but does not rent watercraft.

Overnight stays at Fort Boggy are particularly memorable. Rough camping is available at sites without electricity, water, or restrooms, which visitors reach by hiking. In contrast, the park’s furnished cabins, with air conditioning, kitchen appliances, and indoor toilets and showers, spoil even experienced glampers.

THIS TIME OF YEAR

Lulu White Freedom Fund Established Before Her Death

Just a week before she died on July 6, 1957, Lulu Belle Madison White was honored with the establishment of the Lulu White Freedom Fund by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

She made significant contributions to help balance equal rights for American people of color during her lifetime.

She was born in little Elmo, Texas, between Terrell and Wills Point in 1907. She was educated at the former Butler College in Tyler and became an early civil rights advocate and long-time leader of the NAACP first in Houston (1939) and then statewide as president (1949). Best known for her role in challenging and ending whites-only primaries, White also trained black Americans how to vote, fought for integration of the University of Texas (1945), worked for equal pay for teachers regardless of race (she was an ex-school teacher), and led many other efforts. The Houston NAACP chapter became the largest in the South under her leadership.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Peace Garden Offers Serenity in Greenville

Greenville has a secret mural. It is actually a relief sculpture in a very serene setting. The artwork is in a cemetery, a graveyard, a place of eternal rest.

About one mile from Interstate 30, tucked in the eastern corner of Forest Park Cemetery, just paces from Highway 69, sits a monument rivaling those of the ancient Greeks. A brisk stroll or drive along the graveyard’s paved path leads visitors to Anna Mary Stringer Spence Memorial Peace Garden. A shin-level plaque identifies the garden and its contributors. The cobbled trail encircling a solitary shade tree invites visitors to meander into the garden. Three benches and a few small sculptures line the trail, creating a park-like setting with ample vantage points from which to observe the main attraction.

Covering the Arts Across the Upper East Side of Texas

FOOD & DRINKS

Tuscan Pig Guests Enjoy Their Mac & Cheese

While in Longview for the Historic Longview Farmers' Market, plan for dinner at the Tuscan Pig Italian Restaurant. Known for their delicious Mac & Cheese, other dishes like country lasagna and chicken parmesan are just as popular. They are open Thursday-Saturday 5-9 p.m. Learn more at www.tuscanpig.com .