COUNTY LIFE
Forestburg readies annual watermelon festival
One of Montague County oldest communities Forestburg kicks off the 45th annual Watermelon Festival with a Tuesday night Community Get Together “Celebrating Our Cowboy Heritage.” It’s a night of fun, fellowship and music, with a sing-along for the whole family.
The watermelon festival officially starts on Aug 9. Festivities include a parade, barbecue lunch at the community center, homemade ice cream and baked goods and crafts at the Methodist Church and free watermelon at the log cabin following the parade.
The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and is open to floats, riding clubs, individual horse riders, businesses, antique automobiles and antique farm equipment. Parade participants are asked to meet at the school parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Locals will be available at the log cabin with information about Forestburg history. The Forestburg Historic Museum also will be open following the parade so you can learn the rich history of this community.
A barbecue lunch including beans, coleslaw, potato salad, dessert, drink and all the trimmings will be available for purchase at the Forestburg Community Center after the parade. The Kountry Kitchen and Kraft store will feature an assortment of home-baked goods, homemade crafts and other items. The store will be located at the Methodist Church and is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The popular salsa contest will be at the Methodist Church. To enter bring a quart or two pints of your homemade salsa between 9-10 a.m. on Aug. 9. Tasting begins right after the parade until 2 p.m. Winners will be selected by popular vote.
Other events include a free waterslide, arts and crafts booths, homemade ice cream, and gospel/country music at 1 p.m. at the Methodist Church. There will be more than 40 vendors. The Forestburg Riding Club will host its annual at 8 p.m. Aug. 8 and 9 at the riding club arena. Tickets are $8 in advance from any queen or princess contestant or $10 at the gate.
The Forestburg Community welcomes you to come and enjoy small town, wholesome fun with family and friends.
Amity Club of Bowie presents its annual Mad Hatter Tea Party and Style Show on Aug. 1 at the Bowie Community Center.
The event begins at 11 a.m. with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $25 with limited seating. Call Angela Short at 940-841-1315 or Patti Poe 940-867-3973 for tickets.
The Mad Hatter Tea presents a beautifully decorated party with unique table decorations done by club members or other sponsors. Guests are invited to come in your “Sunday finest/tea party attire” topped off with a hat.
All ages are welcome. There will be door prizes and prize drawings. Local businesses will be featured in the style show and guests will enjoy tea party themed food and tea.
Proceeds support Project Beautiful, Aaron’s Angels and Amity Club scholarships.
The 2026 Guide is inside your Thursday Bowie News. Enjoy this year’s visitor’s and newcomer’s guide as its celebrates the 250th birthday of America and Montague County’s place in that evolution. While the county was not created as the United States began its journey after the revolutions, it’s place in the Indian Territory, Louisiana Purchase, the fledgling state of Texas all lead to its place in the great Lone Star state. Please find the guide in your Thursday paper, and later it will be available free in various locations.
The Nocona Chamber of Commerce invites the community to celebrate summer with a little Christmas spirit during its Christmas in July Sip & Shop from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on July 24.
The event will feature participating chamber businesses throughout Nocona, each offering a unique shopping experience with refreshments, special promotions and plenty of small- town hospitality. Residents and visitors are encouraged to spend the evening exploring local shops, supporting small businesses, and enjoying everything downtown Nocona has to offer.
Shoppers who visit participating businesses will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card giveaway. Entry forms will be available at participating locations, giving attendees another reason to visit as many businesses as possible throughout the evening.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS4 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News