Whether you live on the edge of the Piney Woods, in the middle of the Post Oak Belt, or at the beginning of the Plains, you might still have a common address – that of Freestone County, Texas.
With several small towns (each with its own personality), and even more small communities, this place we call home has much to offer.
Outdoors
For outdoor enthusiasts, the menu is top-notch, with the fishing and hiking of Fairfield Lake State Park, the boating and swimming at Richland Chambers Reservoir, and the hunting opportunities at Caney Creek Lodge and world-class shooting sports facilities at Caney Creek Shooting Sports.
Horse lovers and rodeo fans have several venues to choose from, including the privately-owned Twin Lakes Covered Arena, along with two city arenas that are home to the annual Freestone County Fair & Rodeo held in Fairfield and the largest amateur rodeo in the state, the July Fourth Rodeo held in Teague.
History
Of course, not all events are held outdoors, as Freestone County is home to, at least, two wonderful museums for history aficionados.
The Freestone County Historical Museum, located in Fairfield on the grounds of the old county jail house, features artifacts from the days of illegal moonshining. The museum includes the state-of-the-art Barbara and H. Neil Bass Wing, housing exhibits such as an extensive gun collection and a recreation of the Stewards Mill Store from the Cotton Gin days.
The B-RI Railroad Museum in Teague features hundreds of old photographs, original furnishings from 1906, a 1926 Baldwin Locomotive you can board, the Philpott log cabin from 1850 and much more. The museum also includes a Veterans Room, Old Teague Business Room, Old Hospital Room and Teague School Room.
Special Events
Freestone County is home to many great traditions that make for a great family outing. There is the patriotic Lawnmower Parade in Streetman, the Blind Lemon Jefferson Blues Festival in Wortham, and the old-fashioned Christmas party in the historic Stewards Mill Harmony Church.
Speaking of parades and December holidays, one of the Catholic churches in the area celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe with a colorful parade each year.
Focusing on the music, theatre and art is the Trinity Star Arts Council, who has brought several entertaining productions to the stage. Their biggest event is the popular Jazz/Art Fest, held in October, including music, dance, and hands-on art activities for the kids.
There is something for everyone, even those of us who like to “geek” out on occasion. On January 14th, the Fairfield Band Boosters will hold their third Iigurubando-Con with cosplay contests, art demos, anime and guest panelists from Funimation.
Spread the Word
In the following weeks, the Freestone County Times will be featuring the great, small towns of Freestone County.
Local business owners are invited to join the our “Shop Local” push during the month of January.
As a fellow small business, we want to support each other. For three weeks in January, The “Times” will promote shopping local with our readers.
Each week, one of our hometowns in Freestone County will be featured, along with advertising from local businesses, focusing on the products and services they provide.
Up to 40% in discounts will be offered on advertising with a 3-week commitment.
Give us a call today to take advantage of this New Year promotion.
You may call our Sales Executive Sherry Schoeneberg at 903-388-7006 (or send an email to ads2@freestonecountytimes.com).
Or, stop by our office at 401 E. Commerce in Fairfield. 903-389-NEWS (6397)
