COUNTY LIFE
First official day of summer on Thursday
![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/first-day-of-summer-graphic.jpg)
You would be hard pressed to tell any North Texan the first official day of summer is June 21 as temperatures topping more than 100 degrees have been here for more than a month.
However, the summer solstice occurs Thursday and astronomically speaking when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, that is considered the first day of summer.
Meteorologically speaking they divide the year into four seasons based on the months and temperature cycle; which for them means summer begins June 1 and ends Aug. 31. Either way welcome to Texas summer.
COUNTY LIFE
It’s Valentine’s Day Watch the stars, have a laugh: Most wanted dates in the U.S.
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by Felix Richter, Feb 14, 2025, statista.com
What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to plan a nice date with your loved one. And while dinner and a movie are always solid choices, why not try something new and make this one a night to remember. In a recent survey, YouGov asked U.S. adults about the kinds of dates they’ve never been on but would love to try.
At the top of the date-night wish list is stargazing – because what’s more romantic than cuddling under a blanket and looking up at the night sky? Another popular date idea is going to a comedy show, where laughter is basically guaranteed (as long as you don’t become part of the show!). Another popular pick? Taking an art class together, whether it’s pottery, painting or something else creative, is also something many Americans would love to try on a date night.
Of course, some classic dates never go out of style. Most Americans have been to a restaurant or seen a movie with a date, but they’d happily do it again. A cozy home-cooked meal is another favorite, as long as the food is made with love. However, not all date ideas are a hit. According to the survey, most people would rather skip haunted houses, fishing trips and – somewhat surprisingly – nights out at a bar or club. So if you’re planning something special this Valentine’s Day, consider adding a little adventure, but not too much, to the mix. It just might make for your most memorable date yet!
COUNTY LIFE
Nocona readies Mardi Gras festival Feb. 22-March 4
![](https://bowienewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/mardi-gras-logo.jpg)
Things are gearing up in Nocona for the 15th annual Mardi Gras Nocona Style Feb. 22-March 4.
The Mardi Gras Ball opens the week of activities at 6 p.m. on Feb. 22. Tickets are $60 and seating is limited and should be purchased early. Go to https://square.link/u/db8eD2Bg to purchase tickets or visit the chamber’s Facebook page.
Live music will be performed by Mississippi Bastard Project, a high-energy band that delivers the true sound of New Orleans.
Guests are invited to dress in their most glamorous attire to enjoy a night with dinner, dancing and live music. BYOB. The 2025 Mardi Gras King and Queen also will be crowned.
Mardi Gras Nocona Style offers activities all the family can enjoy from a pet parade and ATV parade to a unique shoebox parade.
This year the Nocona Chamber of Commerce is offering cash prizes for the first-third place winning floats in the “Big Parade” on March 1. First place will win $1,000, second place $500 and third place $250. It is free to enter. To get your entry forms at nocona.org/events click on the Mardi Gras Nocona Style tab.
Read the full story on all the activities in your Thursday Bowie News.
COUNTY LIFE
Forestburg freshman earns spot at state film festival
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Lezly Sanchez, a ninth grader at Forestburg High School, is heading to the state University Interscholastic League Film finals with her digital animation film, “The Final Letter.”
Her film placed in the top six for 1A-3A schools with a chance to take the first place gold medal during the Feb. 26 finals in Austin.
Lezly is the daughter of Ruby and Victor Sanchez with Dana Klement her teacher in the new film program at Forestburg. Klement said this is the first time a student has ever competed in the UIL film contest, which makes it even mores special to see Sanchez be a state finalist.
The UIL film competition is an academic contest that allows students to create their own films in three different categories: Animation (digital or traditional), narrative or documentary.
Klement said these films must meet multiple UIL requirements and can be extensive in labor and creativity. Additionally, UIL Film groups school division into only four groupings 1A-3A and 4A, 5A and 6A separate, instead of the traditional six, which places Sanchez in the 1A-3A.
The films were submitted for judging panels to UIL in early January, and went through various rounds before advancing to state. The top three in the finals win medals.
Read more on this story in the Thursday Bowie News.
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