COUNTY LIFE
New Year’s traditions from around the world

Making a lot of noise—from fireworks to gun shots to church bells—seems to be a favorite pastime around the world.
In ancient Thailand, guns were fired to frighten off demons.
In China, firecrackers routed the forces of darkness. In the early American colonies, the sound of pistol shots rang through the air.
Today, Italians let their church bells peal, the Swiss beat drums, and the North Americans sound sirens and party horns to bid the old year farewell.
Many New Year’s traditions surround food.
The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight comes from Spain. Revelers stuff their mouths with 12 grapes in the final moments of the year—one grape for every chime of the clock!
In the southern U.S., black-eyed peas and pork foretell good fortune.
In Scotland—where Hogmanay is celebrated—people parade down the streets swinging balls of fire.
Eating any ring-shaped treat (such as a doughnut) symbolizes “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune.
Apples dipped in honey are a Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) tradition.
In Swiss homes, dollops of whipped cream, symbolizing the richness of the year to come, are dropped on the floors—and allowed to remain there!
Information from the Farmer’s Almanac
COUNTY LIFE
Sip & Stroll to celebrate mothers

Get an early start celebrating mom by enjoying the Mom’s Night Out Sip & Stroll With Me downtown Bowie, Texas from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 2 with a chance to win a free gift basket full of goodies at each participating location.
Weather permitting, the Stark family will provide horse-drawn carriage rides on the beautiful historic brick streets for guests.
Join us for another fun downtown “mini-open house” event starting at 5 p.m. along with the added fun of pop-up vendors.
Read about all the participating merchants for this week’s Sip & Stroll With Me in the May 1 Bowie News.
COUNTY LIFE
Comic Mini-Con arrives on Saturday

Get ready, Bowie the Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con is back and bigger than ever for its second annual event on May 3 at the Bowie Public Library.
Running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this annual celebration of comics, pop culture, and creativity is a can’t-miss event for fans of all ages.
This year’s Mini-Con will feature an exciting lineup of vendors, artists and authors, along with a bounce house, video game tournament and costume contest. Attendees can enjoy free comic books while exploring a variety of geeky goods, delicious food/drinks and more.
Whether you’re a superhero fan or just looking for a fun community event for all ages or to take the family out to, there’s a little something for everyone.
Don’t forget your costume, join us for a day of fun, fandom and free comics. Follow Bowie Texas Freakz & Geekz on social media or join the discord at BTXFG.Carrd.co.
COUNTY LIFE
Stoneburg VFD readies fish fry for May 3

Members of the Stoneburg Volunteer Fire Department will serve up its annual fish fry from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 3 at the Bowie Community Center, 413 Pelham Street.
Dinner includes fish with all the trimmings, served for donations only.
There will be a prize drawing for a Pitboss Savannah Pellet Grill and a custom built ARIS Rifle 5.56 NATO. Tickets are $10. To buy tickets call Bill Prater at 841-0263, Chad Long at 531-2711 or Chad Gerlach at 531-0726.
Donations may be sent to Stoneburg VFD, c/o Chad Gerlach, 9954 FM 1816, Bowie, TX 76230.
-
NEWS2 years ago
2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS1 year ago
Suspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS2 years ago
SO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS2 years ago
Wreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS2 years ago
Murder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
NEWS2 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death
-
NEWS2 years ago
Bowie Police face three-hour standoff after possible domestic fight
-
NEWS2 years ago
Driver stopped by a man running into the street, robbed at knifepoint