Hope our readers are well-rested after the Labor Day holiday, because this coming weekend will be jam-packed with fun activities in downtown Fairfield, Texas!

September 6th & 7th will be the annual Show of Wheels, and the blow-out event will include Art, Vintage Vehicles, Antique Tractors, Poker Stroll, and a Citywide Garage Sale.

Then to top it off, a Community Pool Party is planned once everyone drives away with their trophies.

ART

Do your kids love being creative?

Then sign them up for Pedaling with Picasso, a special Show of Wheels paint party scheduled for Friday evening, September 6, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on the Courthouse Square.

Kids aged 4-14 years old are invited to paint their own canvas with the image of a bicycle with step-by-step instructions from All Things Arty.

While this is a free event, you must pre-register your child.

The kids will be treated to a free hotdog dinner, sponsored by Fairview Healthcare Residence.

To register, or for more information, please contact Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 903-389-5792.

Also on Friday, Trinity Star Art Gallery will host an Opening Reception for ‘Classic Wheels’ with artist Mike Seale on Friday, September 6th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

His iconic automobile artwork will also be on display from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the Show of Wheels event on Saturday, September 7th.

Mike started drawing Disney characters in the second grade and still maintains a passion for art in his seventies. He is a Teague native, now living in Sugar Land, Texas. When he was invited by Trinity Star Arts Council to have a one-man exhibition at this fall’s Show of Wheels, he decided it would be fun to see old friends and share his paintings.

Mike has been putting together a collection of “Classic Wheels,” most of which are done in watercolor, although he works in other mediums. These colorful cars from the 60’s and 70’s jump off the paper and ignite vivid memories for those viewing his work.

Mike is prolific in watercolor, acrylic painting, multimedia and scroll saw. He won Best of Show in Scroll Saw magazine as well as being published in Hemming’s Motor News.

The Trinity Star Art Gallery is located on the square at 115 S. Mount in downtown Fairfield.

Mike will also be on hand during the Show of Wheels on Saturday the 7th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the gallery.

His work will remain on display through September 20th with gallery hours MWF 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

More information is available at www.trinitystarartscouncil.org.

SHOPPING

The Friends of the Fairfield Library are holding their Book Sale this week!

They have a variety of different books, so be sure to stop by Friday, September 6th and during the citywide garage sale on Saturday, September 7th.

Free bag of popcorn with your purchase of a book on Saturday.

Fairfield Library is located at 350 W. Main Street. For more information about library programs, give them a call at 903-389-3574.

Be sure to stop by the Fairfield Farmers Market at Armadillo Emporium on Saturday, September 7th. This month’s market will include a ‘Sidewalk Sale’ with vendors and garage sale items under the pavilion.

Fairfield Farmers Market is held the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

They have vendors offering produce, fresh cut beef, eggs, homemade preserves, bread, salsa and more.

For information about becoming a farmers market vendor, contact Julee Emmons at 903-389-3336.

This is definitely the weekend for great bargains!

Fairfield’s annual City-Wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 (See this week’s print edition for a map of garage sale locations, or click here).

If you plan to make this an all-day shopping marathon, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Make a list of items you’re looking for. It’s easy to get distracted by all the good deals on things you don’t really need.

Write down clothes and shoe sizes for each member of your family for easy reference. If you are shopping for household items, bring along paint chips, fabric swatches and window sizes. Bring a tape measure to check sizes.

Carry a few plastic bags and cardboard boxes with you. Not every garage sale will provide a way to carry you purchases to the car. Bring tarp and rope if you are shopping for larger items.

And, of course, be sure to have plenty of small bills. Consider carrying money in your pockets or in a fanny pack to keep your hands free.

If you plan to shop with children, consider giving them a small amount to spend. This is a great opportunity to teach shopping skills and the art of negotiation.

Are you more interested in finding the good stuff? Plan to arrive early. Looking for rock-bottom prices? Consider shopping later in the day.

Great deals are all a matter of timing.

If you don’t see what you are looking for, just ask. The seller may not have thought to add that particular item to the garage sale.

Check items carefully. If an item needs repair, is it something you know how to do? If buying a board game, does it contain all the pieces?

Be very careful when buying baby items, they may have been recalled.

Don’t be afraid to ask a seller to go down on the price. If you really want an item, and the seller won’t budge, leave your name and number so they can call you at the end of the day if they still have the item.

When the day is over, pour yourself a glass of iced tea, put your feet up, and call your friends to brag about the bargains you found!

The Ladies Poker Stroll, in coordination with the Show of Wheels, will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

On the list this year are local retailers Accessories, Etc.; Brenda’s Closet; Armadillo Emporium; Kennedy’s Korner; Fairfield Wester Wear; Twisted Whisk; Southern Bound; Desserts by MommaCakes; The Jaded Spade; and Pack-N-Mail.

Grab your poker card at the Chamber of Commerce’s tent before visiting local shops.

Prizes will be given for the Best and Worst poker hand.

For more information, contact Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 903-389-5792.

WHEELS

Come out and enjoy classic cars, trucks and motorcycles during the 26th Annual Show of Wheels event on the Freestone County Courthouse Square this Saturday, September 7, 2024.

Presented by the City of Fairfield and Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, this popular event features over 40 judged classes and numerous specialty awards.

Register for only $25 per vehicle.

To enter, contact the Fairfield Chamber at 903-389-5792 or via email at chamber@fairfieldtx.com

Entries will be parked around the Courthouse Square on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for event goers. There will be food, vendors, cold drinks, clean restrooms, and plenty of shade.

Also displaying their best will be members of the Bi-Stone Antique Tractor Club.

POOL PARTY

Need to relax and cool off?

Everyone is invited to a Family and Friends Pool Party on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Fairfield City Park beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Bring your own pool!

There will be free hotdogs and drinks, live music, and games.

This event is hosted by David “Chico” Brackens, Ren Roberts, Carlos Means, Toni Abram, and Adrian Brown.

Don’t miss out on this fun family-friendly event!

See you around town!