VER Ennis SPRING 2020
A Complete Guide to the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas
WELCOMETOENNIS! Welcome to Ennis! You have just discovered a wonderful family community growing to meet the needs of its residents. We are a community rich in heritage and traditions, which you will experience through our local festivals, parades, dances, theater and everyday living. Beautiful homes and parks merge with our historic districts and new, modern residential communities. Shopping opportunities continue to grow with new retail projects in the works, as well as new restaurants coming to the area. You will be introduced to an impressive downtown array of shopping experiences offering a selection of Czech crystal, antiques, furniture, hardware, flower shops, gift shops and clothing. Our state-of-the-art hospital offers a variety of medical services. An on-site doctors’ building houses a number of medical experts ready to diagnose or assist in any medical needs you may have. The Ennis Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the
expansion of the individual goals of its members as well as the businesses they represent. The officers of the Ennis Jeannette Patak Chamber, along with the board of President directors, offer a wealth of knowledge Ennis Chamber of Commerce and insight. Their knowledge and experience in the local community affairs can be a helpful aid in transitioning into the community. At the chamber, we have maps, lists of churches, shops, service providers, phone books and numerous pamphlets about the city available to you. Information is readily available on our website along with information on our local events. A high-quality, balanced, diverse community of happy families is the Ennis way. We are here to provide you with information about Ennis necessary to adjust to new surroundings, or brush up on changes in the business and professional world. Just stop by or give us a call. Welcome to Ennis Y’all!
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Special thanks to the City of Ennis, Ennis Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ennis Main Street, Ennis Chamber of Commerce, and Ennis Independent School District. Additional images courtesy of Ennis Chamber of Commerce and other contributors. Discover Spring 2020 is a publication of The Ennis News. Features by Mark Warde and Randy Bigham. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. For more copies, contact us at The Ennis News or go online to www.ennisdailynews.com.
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TEXASBLUEBONNETCITY BLUEBONNET BLUEBONNETCITY E
ach April, Ennis becomes the place to be in Texas. And it’s all on account of a beautiful blue flower that captures people’s imaginations, and is in turn captured in beautiful photos. We are the Bluebonnet City. Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” and was designated the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” From April 1-30, Ennis showcases more than 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show. The Ennis Garden Club drives the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April. The Club then reports to the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau about the latest status of the bluebonnets so that visitors can be well informed where the best flowers are on the trails at the time of their visit. Each year the bluebonnets, the State Flower, will appear on different trails as these are natural to the area.
In Ennis, the bluebonnets typically peak around the third week of April, according to the Ennis Garden Club. This can vary year to year due to weather conditions and terrain, so please check the visitennis.org and bluebonnettrail.org websites or call 972878-4748 before your visit. The Ennis CVB is open seven days a week in April, except Easter Sunday. If you would like to experience the trails with a garden club expert guide, there is a step-on guide service available with advanced reservations for $50, payable to the Ennis Garden Club. Tours are limited so sign up early. This is an approximately two-hour tour and requires an empty seat for the guide on the bus, motor coach, or van. There are also individual tours available for a fee. Call Ennis CVB for more info: 972-878-4748. A highlight of the Bluebonnet Trails in April is the Bluebonnet Festival which will be held April 17-19, 2020 in downtown Ennis. It too is sponsored by The Ennis Garden Club. Visit Ennis for the Bluebonnets in April. Their beauty in person is well beyond what any photo can capture. Download the mobile app, Ennis Y’all, for the Trail Map and more. www.bluebonnettrail.org | visitennis.org Events are subject to change
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Bluebonnet Trails Festival April 1-30, 2020 April 17-19, 2020
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BLUEBONNETMARKET Bluebonnet Market, formerly known as the Ennis Farmers Market, moves back to the newly renovated North Dallas Street. Streets, sidewalks, lighting, new facades and buildings are being transformed into the future of Ennis with a taste of the now in the Bluebonnet Market. Offices, lofts, businesses and restaurants have materialized, and more are on the way, all part of the city’s Main Street national program. One element that remains is the downtown Bluebonnet Market, which has endured the surrounding work in recent years. This will be its seventh, uninterrupted season, dating back to April of 2014.
Offering our neighbors garden and farm fresh produce and food products has returned once again. Now a fixture in town, on any given Saturday, from 8 a.m. until noon, there are 500 or more who shop the market where vendors provide a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, honey, meat, nuts, cottage and prepared food, clothing, crafts and interior products. Special events are scheduled, including cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts for children at Make It at the Market, exhibitions, kids activities and special music. Seven months of Saturdays from April through the end of October, the Bluebonnet Market is held on North Dallas to the corner of West Knox streets.
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ENNISCZECHHERITAGE The Czech experience extends beyond the Polka Fest to the churches, civic groups and family-owned restaurants and other businesses that cater to life in Ennis. The Ennis News regularly features cultural and historical news items about Czech heritage. But the parade and accompanying activities and entertainment are the big attraction once May rolls around. The National Polka FestivalÂŽ in Ennis celebrates 54 years of Czech heritage from Friday through Sunday, May 22-24, 2020. Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, the National Polka Festival offers activities for the whole family in the small town atmosphere of The Bluebonnet City. The festival kicks off with a dance on Friday, featuring polka music and the King and Queen Dance Contest, in which participants and audiences are encouraged to wear traditional Czech kroj (costumes). On Saturday morning, floats, bands and colorful costumes make up the famous parade that twists through
historic downtown. The festivities include attractions for visitors of all ages. Attendees can enjoy the music of polka bands on decorated floats or the sounds of the award winning Ennis High School Marching Band. The Shriners make their annual appearance, as well as celebrities, public officials, motorcyclists, horseback riders, clowns, kids and seniors. Visitors experience Czech traditions, religious customs and dancing throughout historic downtown and at three spacious air conditioned halls (KJT, KC and Sokol Halls). Attendees will enjoy a weekend of polka dancing, Czech foods, and numerous sensational live polka bands. Polka Festival guests can also experience authentic Czech cuisine at what has become the city’s largest festival. Today, Polka fans from across the country come to Ennis for Memorial Day weekend. Attendance continues growing, and by some counts, as many as 50,000 people come to town each year to enjoy events associated with the National Polka Festival. Events are subject to change
National Polka Festival Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-24, 2020
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Museum and Library: Czech it out Ennis’ Czechoslovakian heritage is celebrated at the Sokol Hall Activity Center’s Czech Museum and Library. Exhibits include authentic Czech costumes, memorabilia, dolls, photographs, crystal and books. The museum and library is open during special events and by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call Georgie Morales at 972-875-5398.
KATOLICKA JEDNOTA TEXASKA SOCIETY NO. 35 Members: Approximately 1,250 Community Outreach & Activities:
KJT youth program, scholarships for KJT members who are graduating seniors
History:
KJT Society began so that Czech immigrants could bond with each other after coming to the United States. The Ennis chapter was founded in 1900. KJT began accepting women members in 1980. Although it started out as an exclusively Catholic organization, in 2008, KJT opened membership to all Christians.
SOKOL Members: Approximately 300 Community Outreach & Activities:
Sokol provides gymnastics and fitness classes for all, and a twirling program. Facilities can be used for community functions, weddings, and other parties.
History:
Sokol, which means falcon in Czech, was founded in 1862 in Prague, and brought to the United States by Czech immigrants to preserve their heritage. The Ennis unit was formed in 1908.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Members: Between 350 and 400 members Community Outreach & Activities:
KC members perform charity work, organize benefits and scholarships for graduating seniors. KC Hall can be used for weddings and other occasions.
History:
Knights of Columbus was founded in 1881 in Connecticut to provide for widows and orphans. KC was so named to honor Christopher Columbus, who brought Christianity to the Americas. The Ennis chapter was formed in 1908.
SPJST LODGE #25 Members: Approximately 700 Community Outreach & Activities:
SPJST #25 Youth Program; Scholarships for SPJST Members who are graduating seniors; SPJST Lodge #25 Bar open every Wednesday Night from 5pm-10pm; Kitchen/Dining Room, Bar, and Hall available for bookings for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties and special occasions. New Year’s Eve Party with live music featuring The Moravians and a Balloon Drop. Facebook / Instagram: @spjstennistx
History:
SPJST stands for Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas which translates to Slavonic Benefit Order of the State of Texas. SPJST Lodge #25 was established in 1897.
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THEATRELIVESHERE
Ennis is home to two local theater organizations, very rare for a small town. Both have approximately six productions annually as well as other entertainment on their stage during the calendar season. Ennis residents and those in the local area offer great shows at Ennis Public Theatre and Theatre Rocks! Those inclined can try out for parts in various productions – as a cast member or as part of the crew. Ennis Public Theatre, a community treasure
One of the first community playhouses in Ennis since the 1940s, the Ennis Public Theatre (EPT) delivers superb live entertainment at a reasonable cost. Since it first opened its doors in 2002, The Ennis Public Theatre has offered up plays of all genres to delight its audiences, from laugh out loud comedies to heartwarming dramas. Musicals are a specialty and they have audiences singing in their seats. In addition, “K.I.D.S.” productions that delight the whole family are a mainstay at EPT. Headed by artistic director Shelley Aubrey, managing director Brianna Roberts, children’s director C. David Hill, and supported by a board of directors and a responsive community, the Ennis Public Theatre continues to grow. It’s located in downtown Ennis at 113 N. Dallas St. One of the gems of the Main Street revitalization program, the Ennis Public Theatre looks forward to many more years to entertain and delight Ennis and surrounding areas. For more information log on to www.ennispublictheatre.com or call 972-878-PLAY.
Theatre Rocks! the house
This non-profit 501c3 charitable arts organization serves eastern Ellis County and the surrounding region, presenting high quality, mainstream theatre in an intimate setting. Shows are done by providing a great environment for actors and related theatre artists that fosters growth and achievement. 10 - DISCOVER ENNIS SPRING 2020
Artistic Director Bill Rhoten, who originally was the director at EPT, has decades of acting, writing and directing experience. Bill is exceptional at editing Broadway plays into one or two acts as well as creating and writing original dramas. His wife, Suzanne, serves as executive director and oversees every aspect of production. TR seeks to honor the Master Artist and Creator by loving and encouraging artists, serving audiences and giving back to the region. Located just a few blocks north of Ennis Avenue at 505 NW Main Street, the ambiance on the set works for adoring audiences. Visit their Facebook page, www.TheatreRocks.com or call 972-878-5126. Tickets are very affordable, as are season passes.
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TEXASMOTORPLEX Texas Motorplex hosts a National Hot Rod Event each racing season which draws fans from across the globe.
The Texas Motorplex is known
nationwide for being the host of the prestigious NHRA Fall Nationals event each fall, but it’s also a yearround racing center, located about two miles west of Ennis. Events start in February and run through November, among them National Hot Rod Diesel Association events, Import Face Offs, car shows, and Fast Fridays. Fast Fridays give people a chance to take their own cars to the strip to
give drag racing a try. It’s a way for people to legally satisfy their need for speed, and for a very reasonable fee. Anyone can head to the track and race unlimited times. Home of the world speed record of 333.95 mph, the Texas Motorplex is considered one of the finest onequarter mile drag racing facilities in the nation. Constructed in 1986 by Billy Meyer, the Texas Motorplex is known across the country as “the ultimate drag
racing facility” both by drivers and the fans alike. The Motorplex hosts over 90 events each year, with 500,000 fans visiting the race track annually. Ennis welcomes the racers and race fans with open arms. If you are just visiting or planning to come back, be sure to get your hotel reservations early. Ennis is blessed with great lodging, and accommodations fill up as fast as a dragster on the strip.
ENNISFREEDOMFEST Saturday, June 27, begins downtown with the annual Red, White and Bike Parade. Come see hundreds of people in patriotic garb, showcasing their decorated ride. The festival then moves west to Veterans Park, 2301 Ennis Parkway, where families will find bounce houses, music, vendors and fun activities that start at 3 p.m. 2020 Ennis Freedom Fest culminates with a spectacular fireworks display after sundown.
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ENNISEVENTSCALENDAR APRIL
April - December Sip, Shop & Stroll Downtown, 3rd Thursday April - Oct Bluebonnet Market Saturdays 8 - noon, Downtown April - Oct Make-it-at-the-Market 10am-noon, Downtown April 1-30 Ennis Bluebonnet Trails April 1 NHRA Lucas Oil Regional Texas Motorplex April 4 Don’t Mess With Texas Trash Off April 17-19 Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival April 22-26 Main Street Midway Downtown April 24 - May 9 An Orphan’s Adventure Theatre Rocks!
MAY
May 1 Crawfish Boil & Live Music by the PBR Band KJT, 5pm May 2 Midtown Playboys VFW Post, 8pm May 8 Farm Fresh Dinner & Dance Downtown May 15-31 The Red Velvet Cake Wars Ennis Public Theatre May 22-24 National Polka Festival
JUNE
June 6 - Oct 24 Mornings at Minnie Saturdays downtown,10am June 12 - 28 The Trip to Bountiful Theatre Rocks! June 13 Blues on Main Festival Downtown June 25 - July 5 Disney’s Frozen Jr, Ennis Public Theatre June 27 Ennis Freedom Fest 14 - DISCOVER ENNIS SPRING 2020
JULY
July 17-18 Ellis County Quilters Guild Quilt Show - Sokol
AUGUST Aug 21-Sep 6 Circle Mirror Transformation Ennis Public Theatre
OCTOBER
October 10 Annual Lion Pride Fall Sweep Oct 16-Nov 1 The Sound of Music Ennis Public Theatre October 15-18 AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Texas Motorplex October 31 Autumn Daze of Ennis Downtown
NOVEMBER Nov 28 Small Business Saturday Downtown
DECEMBER
Dec 3 Lights of Ennis Parade & Block Party Downtown Dec 3-13 A Christmas Carol Ennis Public Theatre Dec 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration Downtown www.VisitEnnis.org www.bluebonnettrail.org www.nationalpolkafestival.com www.KeepEnnisBeautiful.com www.ennispublictheatre.com www.theatrerocks.com Download the ENNISY’ALL app for event times and dates Events are subject to change.Please do not drive long distances before checking websites and Ennis social media sites or by calling 972-878-4748.
BY THE #’S
OFFICIALS CITY OF ENNIS
18,823
Census Estimated Population in 2014 Angeline Juenemann Mayor
Matt Walker
Mayor Pro-Tem
Rowdy Pruitt
Ward 1 Commissioner
Marco Hernandez
Ward 2 Commissioner
39
Miles from Ennis to downtown Dallas
5
State Football Championships
38.1
Percentage of homes with children under 18 Scott Hejny
Ward 3 Commissioner
Shirley Watson
Ward 4 Commissioner
Bill Honza
Ward 5 Commissioner
Andy Harvey Chief of Police
INFORMATION City of Ennis, 972-875-1234 Ennis Police Department, 972-875-4462 Ennis Fire Department / Ambulance Service, 972-875-3473 Ennis Fire Station #2, 972-875-6151 Ennis Fire Station #3, 972-895-3313 Ennis Regional Medical Center, 972-875-0900 Ennis Chamber of Commerce, 972-878-2625 Ennis Welcome Center, 972-878-4748 City of Ennis Economic Development, 972-878-4748 City of Ennis Health & Inspections, 972-878-6442 Ennis Independent School District, 972-872-7000 The Ennis News, 972-875-3801 Ennis Main Street Program, 972-878-4748 Go to www.visitennis.org Ennis Public Library, 972-875-5360 or download the ENNISY’ALL app for event times and dates. Ennis Municipal Airport, 972-875-4279
Do you need information for your visit? Go to www.visitennis.
org, or contact the Ennis Chamber of Commerce at 972-878-2625 or www. ennis-chamber.com. Download the free mobile app, Ennis Y’all, for Ennis information and where to shop, stay, do and see!
44,608
Median family income in dollars
11
Number of Ennis Independent School District instructional facilities
2020 & 54th
National Polka Festival celebrates its 54th anniversary in May 2020
1/4
Length in miles of drag races at Texas Motorplex
2
Number of Operating Stage Theaters
40
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ENNIS:HISTORYLIVESHERE The Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum is located on Northeast Main Street, along the railroad tracks, on Ennis Avenue. The City of Ennis was established as a town in 1872 and was named after Cornelius Ennis, director of the Houston & Texas Central (H&TC) Railroad. Much of its history can be found at the museum. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays 1-4 p.m. Mondays are open only by appointment for group tours. Please call 972-875-1901 or 972878-4748 at least 48 hours in advance for reservations. The museum is housed in a former Van Noy restaurant building built in 1915. The restaurant served customers from the 10 passenger trains a day that once stopped in Ennis. The yellow wood-frame building to the north of the museum served as the ticket office and baggage building after the original two-story depot was destroyed by fire in the late 1930s. Located to the south of the museum is the former Wells Fargo freight office. The City of Ennis acquired the museum building from the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1991. In 1871, the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, a forerunner of the Southern Pacific Railroad, purchased 647 acres of land in Ellis County at a price of $5.00 per acre, establishing the line’s northern terminus. It was on June 8, 1872 that the site was established as the City of Ennis. Ennis was the banking and agricultural center of east Ellis County by the 1880s. Ennis National Bank, with capital of $100,000, held the title of the largest bank in the county in 1883. Many of the early settlers of this area were people from the East and South who were attracted by the rich Blackland Prairie soil, the railroad, and other business opportunities. In 1873, Jacob Shebasta, an immigrant from Czechoslovakia, was the first of many Eastern Europeans to make this area his home. Ennis retains a strong Czechoslovakian influence, and today is home to four Czech social halls as well as the annual National Polka Festival each May. In 1891, the Texas & New Orleans Railroad, a part of the Southern Pacific system, established a division point in Ennis, leading to the construction of shops and a roundhouse. The citizens of Ennis contributed $25,000, 90 acres of land, and a 43 acre lake toward the project. A contract 16 - DISCOVER ENNIS SPRING 2020
was drawn up stating that the railroad could not move its shops out of town as long as the City of Ennis was able to provide water for the railroad’s use. The railroad was the key to the development of Ennis as an agricultural, commercial, and later, an industrial center. According to early resident Joseph Baldridge, “If Ennis had not obtained the shops and the superintendent’s offices, it would have remained only a small agricultural center.” Ennis was able to successfully combine the natural resources of its rich farm land with the transportation advantages offered by the railroad. In May 1930, Ennis had become known as the place “Where Railroads and Cotton Fields Meet.” From its founding, various cultures have shaped the development of the City. In its earlier days, Ennis was a settlement town with a “wild west” reputation. At one time, the City had 13 saloons and six beer halls. The town also served as a stopping place for outlaw gangs including those of Cole Younger and Sam Bass; and the family of gunfighter John Wesley Hardin was among the city’s pioneers. Other cultures have also contributed to the history of Ennis. For example, Robert Martinez drove 3,200 head of cattle from Ennis to Montana along the Chisolm Trail in the late 19th century. Also, during the 1920s, Ennis resident Dr. Armour Rogers became one of the first practicing African American doctors in Ellis County. About our history: • The City of Ennis was established in 1872. • A record-making Texas League game with 8 homeruns was played in Ennis in 1902. • Author and educator Katie Daffan, the first woman to head a state agency in Texas, lived in Ennis. • In 1920 a total of 152,601 bales of cotton were ginned in Ellis County, the most of any county in America. • Ennis is known as the Bluebonnet City because of the springtime beauty and abundance of the state flower in and around the city. • U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, born in Ennis, posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in World War II. Lummus, a former Baylor University and New York Giants football star, was one of only two National Football League players to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, and he was inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor in 2015.
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ENNIS ENNISVETERANS MEMORIAL Ennis Veterans Memorial Park, located at 2301 Ennis Pkwy, was dedicated to those who gave their lives to protect American freedom. The Veterans Memorial monuments honor veterans from each 20th and 21st Century U.S. military conflict. In addition to the memorial site, there are three lighted competition football /soccer fields for league play and six youth soccer fields, available for use by reservation. There is also a building for concession and restroom facilities, a 0.4 mile of walking paths, picnic tables and a children’s playground. Veterans Memorial Park has been open to the public since August 2011, and many have enjoyed its recreational amenities since then. A salute in brick and mortar to the men and women of America’s Armed Forces, the memorial has been the backdrop for many local patriotic events. The memorial is now known nationally as in his campaign to secure better medical care for fellow sufferers of Agent Orange (AO), Vietnam War veteran Gerry Wright has referenced how the AO monument erected at the Ennis site inspired him in his work to change the law governing health coverage for AO survivors. The memorial takes the form of a circular promenade with a centerpiece devoted to veterans and surrounding sections dedicated to specific conflicts, from World War I to the current War on Terror. Larry Fincher, chairman of the committee that supervised the building of the monument, stressed the main objective is to pay homage to all enlisted personnel. “We want to honor all U.S. veterans,” he said, “whether they served in a war or not, whether dead or alive and whether they are from Ennis or not.” For more information, contact City of Ennis Parks Department at 972-875-1234. 18 - DISCOVER ENNIS SPRING 2020
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LAKEBARDWELLRESERVOIR Ellis County is home to one of the largest recreational
facilities in North Texas – Lake Bardwell Reservoir. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in the county. An estimated half million people visit the 3,500acre lake each year, enjoying fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, and just about any other outdoor activity within and along its 25 miles of shoreline. It is more than 5 miles long and more than 1mile wide at its largest point. Both the lake and surrounding campgrounds are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which features a marina and several boat ramps. You can reach the marina at 972-646-5330. Camping reservations or additional information is available at 972-875-5711. Congress authorized construction of the reservoir of the Bardwell Reservoir on March 31, 1960. Construction began in September 1963. Impoundment of water at the lake, which provides flood control and conservation platform for area water, began in
November 1965. It cost more than $12 million to build. Bardwell is known for its fishing, with bass, catfish and crappie the most-targeted catches. Go to recreation.gov for park reservations.
FUN&GAMESGALORE So you like fun and games? Ennis and the local area offer a little bit of everything for people. • Bluebonnet Park: On Ennis Parkway, west of Hwy 287, and follow the signs. Facility includes eight lighted ball fields, 10 acres of dedicated recreational open space, a two-acre fishing lake, and a 0.7-mile jogging path. This magnificent facility is available for softball and baseball tournaments and attracts teams from all across the State of Texas. • Community theaters – Ennis Public Theatre and Theatre Rocks! See story elsewhere in this edition. • Disc golf located adjacent to the dam on the south end of Lake Clark, at 3000 W. Ennis Ave. • Big O Speedway: Located east of Ennis, the facility offers dirt track racing on weekends March-October. • E.I.S.D. Tennis Center: 9 championship quality tennis courts (4 indoors), snack bar, and pro shop. • Ennis All-Star Bowl– 2313 W. Ennis Ave. • Galaxy Drive-In Theatre features seven screens. • Golf is open to the public at Red Oak Valley Golf Club in Red Oak and at the Old Brickyard course in Ferris. • Highview Park at Lake Bardwell: Picnic and/or swim there. This park requires a facility use fee per carload. For camping reservations, etc, please call 972-875-5711.
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• Highview Marina at Lake Bardwell: 972-646-5330. • Lake Clark Park: Found on the west end of Baldridge Street, it is a perfect place to have a picnic, to fish, to play on the playground, or to take a walk with a lake view. Check out Kachina Prairie and the bison statue there. • Lions Park: Corner of Hall and Lampasas streets. • Meadow View Nature Area: 972-878-4748 for hours. • Minnie McDowal Park is a unique gathering spot for families located at 119 N. Dallas featuring a gazebo, art wall and water feature. • Opry: Located in the old Bristol School, about 15 minutes east of Ennis, the Opry features local talent performing live on stage. The show goes on the fourth Saturday of each month at 7 p.m., except in December. The Bardwell Opry, located in the Bardwell Community Center, is every fifth Saturday. • Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum: 972-875-1901. • Sugar Ridge Winery in Bristol offers local wines, a private tasting room, and reception area. • Texas Motorplex: 972-878-2641. • Veterans Memorial Park at 2301 Ennis Parkway features a veterans memorial and athletic fields. Youth soccer is a favorite activity played at Veterans Park. • Xtreme Raceway Park Ferris: Info on Facebook.
OLDTIMEFUN!
April 22-26, 2020 A five-day carnival-ride
event with some of the same attractions one might find at the Texas State Fair.
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