COUNTY LIFE
Nocona, Saint Jo ready July 4th fireworks shows

While the pandemic has cancelled many events there are still plans for the annual fireworks shows in Montague County on July 4.
The Nocona Lions Club celebrates its 53rd year presenting a fireworks at Lake Nocona. Set up at Weldon Robb Park, the club invites everyone to enjoy the sparkle which begins at dark.
Lions’ member Phil Staley said while they have cut back a bit the show will still continue the tradition of celebrating July 4th. A GoFundMe account has been set up by the club to accept donations to help fund the event. Nocona Lions Club July 4th fundraiser is the tagline.
There are tentative plans for a boat show on the lake, possibly moving to the morning instead of the evening for the decorated boat parade. A time will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Citizens are asked not to set off their personal fireworks in the Weldon Robb Park area since the Lions show will be set up in this spot. Families can go to Benton or Boone Park to avoid any safety issues with the large show.
In nearby Saint Jo the fire department is getting ready for its fireworks spectacular at Boggess Park. Families are invited to bring their lawnchairs to the park for an evening of old fashioned fun, food, games, music and fireworks. Everyone is encouraged to social distance and take other precautions related to COVID-19 safety.
The popular Firecracker 5K was cancelled for this year, but the fire department has added the “Covid Relief Run” on July 4. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. with the run at 8 a.m. The fee is $20. This is not a sanctioned race.
Those with questions may call 940-235-0653 or 940-995-2337 (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
The kid’s patriotic parade will be at 10 a.m. on the town square. Anything non-motorized can participate as the children are invited to create the most patriotic entry. Places first, second and third will be awarded.
Beginning at 5 p.m. there will be live entertainment in Boggess Park. At 6 p.m. the homemade ice cream contest begins. A cash prize going to a local charity will be awarded for first-third place.
A recipe must be displayed along with the ice cream’s name.
COUNTY LIFE
Jim Bowie Parade entries now being sought

It’s time to start working on your entry for the 2025 Jim Bowie Days Parade.
The theme is “God Bless Texas.” The entry deadline is 5 p.m. on June 25. Entry forms are available at jimbowiedays.com.
There are four categories for the parade: Youth organization or sports team, civic organization or church, riding club and business.
Kids are encouraged to decorate their bicycles and ride in the parade, and those with antique cars, trucks or tractors should give them a shine. For cowgirls and cowboys bring your horses to town and ride them on the route.
Prizes will be awarded for outstanding entries.
Coming in the June 19 Bowie News see the full calendar of events program for Jim Bowie Days and plan all your family’s activities during this western week of fun.
COUNTY LIFE
Free Music in the Park Festival arrives Saturday

The Music in the Park Festival organizers welcome guests to enjoy a day under the beautiful oaks of Pelham Park to hear an array of music on June 14 in Bowie.
This free music festival is hosted by the Bowie Community center and R&K Sound Company.
Guests are invited to bring their lawn chairs and set up under the oak trees that fill the park near the amphitheater. This is the second year for this free festival as it expands to a full day.
Live acoustic music opens the free festival starting at 11:30 a.m. with Corben Wolsey, Blake Mangus, Tiffany Chandler, Sara White and Dillon Edwards. Other live music that day will include Bad Daddy Band and Bricktown Band. ZZ Texas, a ZZ Top tribute band, will take the stage at 8 p.m. Live music continues until 10 p.m.
There will be food truck vendors, bounce houses (fee), axe throwing and vendors. Guests are allowed to bring beer in a cooler, but no soda pop or similar drinks. There will be a $5 cooler fee.
Prior to the musical events there will be a 5K run/walk at 8:30 a.m. at the Pelham Park Pavilion. Pre-race warm-up begins at 8:10 a.m. and the race starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be first-third place winners in each age category.
Entry fee is $35 and participants receive a T-shirt. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center.
Those with questions may call Bonnie at 940-872-4861 or Kenny at 817-704-9847. In case of rain the event will be moved into the center.
COUNTY LIFE
Nocona Library welcomes youngsters for summer fun

Nocona Public Library is celebrating summer with lots of activities for kids.
On June 6 the Friends of the Library hosted a Rhyme Time story time. Marcia Williams read “Nothing Rhymes with Orange” by Adam Rex to the children. Lory Hunt helped the kids burn off some energy with a hopping rhyming activity.
Friends of the Library will be hosting its annual summer reading program in July. Check the Library Facebook page for details. Children can pick up reading logs at the library and start reading now.
The Library Advisory Board is having a new program this summer for children in grades 1-5. The Great Summer Adventure is at noon on Mondays in June and July.
Each adventure day begins with a story read by Lory Hunt and is always followed by a surprise. On June 9 the kids were surprised with Taylor Watson’s Petting Zoo. A blind cow named Helen, Pearl the white pony and a white goat named Bell all visited the library. The children had lots of fun petting the animals. Parents can sign children up for this program at the library.
Nocona Public Library is open Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(top photo) The Taylor Watson Petting Zoo was a big hit at last week’s summer reading program at Nocona Public Library. (Courtesy photo)
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