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About the Cover

AUGUST 2021

Rachael and Jonah Walker take a splash off the dock at Daingerfield State Park. The brother and sister live in Daingerfield with their family.

S D A O R S S RO

Photo by Toni Walker

CONTENTS

NETX

E MAGAZIN

50th Pioneer Days Festival

WES JEANS

rward and Playing it Fo at bringing the he

20 re! ... and mo

Rocky Point Adventures

W, page 10 W

By KATE STO

28 The Anvil

Avery Tomato Shed

NETX

ROSSROADS Published and distributed by

MAGAZINE

Northeast Texas Publishing, LP in Bowie, Camp, Cass, Gregg, Morris, Titus and Upshur counties.

Please contact us with questions, story ideas or advertising requests via email at info@NETXcrossroads.com or call us at

903.796.7133 • 903.628.5801 903.856.6629 • 903.572.1705

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Di Duncan Tim Emmons Heather Russell Kate Stow Maggie Taylor Toni Walker PHOTOGRAPHERS Di Duncan Heather Russell Kate Stow Toni Walker GRAPHIC DESIGNER Joni Guess

Call us today to hear more about our great city!

903.628.6340

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www.newbostonsidc.com

AUGUST 2021

Steven

LAMBETH For the love of the game and his athletes O

By TIM EMMONS

ne of the greatest basketball coaches of all-time once said, “A good coach can change a game; a great coach can change a life.” That coach was John Wooden who led the UCLA Bruins to 10 national championships in 12 seasons. As a teacher, Wooden taught his students that academic success was about more than grades; as a coach, Wooden taught his players that a victory was about more than the number on the scoreboard. He cared deeply for the athletes he led and encouraged them to be winners on more than just the court. McLeod’s Athletic Director Steven Lambeth embodies that statement. Coaching is more than just training athletes to be the best they can be on the court; they are leaders who have the opportunity to mold young minds both in and out of classrooms which can take the student-athletes as far as they would like to go. For Lambeth, life has come full circle. He attended McLeod schools from kindergarten to 12th grade and was a multi-sport athlete which is common for student-athletes in a small school. The future AD played basketball, tennis, and baseball and ran both cross country and track. Although he enjoyed competing in each of those sports basketball was his favorite. With his keen intellect it’s no surprise he would follow the path of many educators and coaches before him. “My grandmother, Ruby Crawford, started bringing me to basketball games before I was in school and got me interested in sports and always told me I needed to be a coach,” Coach Lambeth said. “After I graduated I started following my former teammates’ games and noticed how Coach

AUGUST 2021

Tommy Brown reacted and interacted with my former teammates and I knew that’s what I wanted to do for a living.” He preserved that pledge for himself and as of this year has coached at his alma mater for 20 years. Aside from being the head coach of the varsity boys’ basketball team Lambeth has coached cross country, track, tennis and baseball. He coached nine years before he was elevated to the Athletic Director position. Being named the AD here at McLeod was very nice,” Coach Lambeth remarked. “It felt like a lot of time and hard work paid off.” More than just being named the AD has transpired because of his hard work and time. In the latter days of the 2019-2020 basketball season Coach Lambeth notched 300 wins as head coach of the Longhorns’ varsity basketball program. Obtaining 300 wins in high school sports is not easy, but when accomplished is a satisfying feat to say the least. “I’ve never kept up with how many total wins I’ve had. A good friend of mine from high school had to tell me when I got there,” Coach Lambeth said. “Early on my goal for my teams was to get to 20 wins per season. Now we are able to average that each year. I’m very blessed to have extremely disciplined, hard-working kids.” As most know coaches come and go with the wind but Coach Lambeth accounts for his longevity at McLeod, in a profession where that isn’t the norm, with a subtle account. “First, I have been blessed to be at a school where I have the backing of the community, parents and administration,” Coach Lambeth stated. “I believe McLeod is the best school around due to this fact. Our parents and athletes understand what hard

McLeod AD Steven Lambeth attended K-12 at McLeod ISD and has been coaching at his alma mater for 20 years. (Photo courtesy of McLeod ISD)

work can accomplish and know what we expect from them.” “Also, my superintendent, Cathy May, and our school board have faith in me and our coaching staff and give us the resources we need to be successful,” Coach Lambeth added. “Our coaching staff - Coach Adams (Cross Country/Baseball – 11 years), Coach Parker (Track – seven years), Coach Scott Venable (Softball – five years), Coach Autumn Venable (Softball – four years) and Coaches David and Casey Schubert (XC/ Basketball/Track – two years) each make my job a lot easier. They each come in with their own area of expertise and help out in every way they can.” Nothing benefits an AD more than a good, cohesive coaching staff, except support from their family to continue their life’s goal of molding young minds and passing on lifelong skills to student-athletes. “You have to have family support to be able to be successful in this profession,” Coach Lambeth said. “My wife and kids have followed my teams around and supported us consistently for 20 years and there are a lot sacrifices that they’ve had to make because of my dreams. Without them supporting me I wouldn’t be able to do anything.” Coach Lambeth and his wife Erin have three wonderful children, Bradley, 23-years-old, Ella, 16-years-old and Bryce, 10-years-old. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Each of these children have their own unique skillset and although Bryce isn’t close to stepping on the hardwood just yet his parents have been able to witness the use of knowledge passed on to his two older siblings through either themselves or other educators/coaches. “Coaching your own children can be very challenging. Bradley made it a lot of fun,” Coach Lambeth said. “He was one of the best competitors I’ve ever coached. Seeing Ella compete on that same floor and do the same has been so awesome to watch. She keeps getting better each time she steps on the floor.” “I am so proud of what each has accomplished and will accomplish in the future,” Lambeth continued. “Soon Bryce will get his chance and I hope his older brother will have the opportunity to help coach him.” Only time will tell but Bradley is already on the same path his father took 20 years ago. After graduating from college Bradley became a coach at Fouke ISD where he is the head track coach and assists in football and basketball. Coach Lambeth couldn’t contain his ex-

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Coach Lambeth attributes his success to many people including his family. From left: Erin Lambeth holding their son Bryce, Ella Lambeth and Coach Lambeth, son, Bradley Lambeth (not pictured). (Photo by Tim Emmons)

citement for Bradley and was ecstatic too see him coach for the first time. “The first time I saw him it was so hard to believe he was old enough to be out there. I’m so proud of him for doing what he loves,”

Coach Lambeth said. “I believe he is going to be great. He has so much more knowledge and experience than I did at that age.” And at that age Coach Lambeth had so many influential people to help him along in his profession and life. “There are too many coaches to name. I try to learn something from every coach I talk to,” Coach Lambeth said. “I ask questions about how they do different drills, offenses, defenses, etc. In the coaching profession everything is borrowed.” “In life in general several people were influential,” Coach Lambeth added. “First, my parents have always supported me and my teams in every way possible. My mom and dad (Charlie and Donna McKnight) taught me, by example, to be successful you have to be the hardest worker in the room and how just by being friendly and caring for others they will work just as hard for you. I’ve been very blessed and have had a lot of success due to the fact that my kids know that I love them and work very hard for them and in return they give me everything they have on the court.” “Second, my high school cross country and track coach, Kirby McCord, had a lot to do

AUGUST 2021

with me wanting to be a coach. He was the type of coach that made you feel like you could do anything in the world and that anything was possible,” Coach Lambeth continued. “Last but not least, my wife, Erin Lambeth has always supported me and pushed me to be the best I could be. I’ve always admired what a disciplined and hard worker she is. She pushed me through college and always knew that coaching is what I needed to be doing for a living.” Most of the times coaches are just figures in the lives of some students, but in some instances coaches and educators are father and mother figures to kids who come from single-parent homes or from a bad situation. In either circumstance the kids desire guidance that will lead them down a road of hope instead of failure. Coach Lambeth has no doubt

told his parting players and students something that gives them an outlook of hope they can cherish forever. “I tell the kids always put God first in all you do and put in the time and hard work and good things happen,” Lambeth said. “I have found through error that things go a lot better for you when you put them in that order too. I’m very blessed to have a group of coaches to work with that live by that same belief. It’s nice to have coaches to work with that have the same work ethic and love for the game and athletes.” With plenty of support and help Coach Lambeth has lived by his own words and that of Coach John Wooden. No doubt Coach Lambeth has changed a game with good coaching, and no doubt has changed many lives as a great coach.

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AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021

WES JEANS Playing it Forward and bringing the heat Story & photos by

KATE STOW

hat a wonderful day it was for blues lovers when Michael Wesley Jeans found an old guitar in his closet after being sent to his room by his parents, Mike and Donna, back in 1996. In only nine months, the 15-year-old quickly honed his new-found talent into a moneymaking skill that has taken him on a legendary ride. That ride started when Wes

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entered the International Jimi Hendrix Competition held in Austin and placed second among 1,500 other young guitar players. Al Hendrix, father of Jimi Hendrix, told Wes, “In my eyes, you won because you played straight from the heart like Jimi.” Banking on that endorsement, Wes dropped out of Marshall High School in 1997 to homeschool while he toured

and recorded his debut album. At the age of 17 he was performing in Shreveport night clubs. In 2000 Wes released his debut album, “Hands On,” which hit the National Blues Chart at #26, and he was being compared to guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughn. A follow-up album, “Forest of the Pine,” was released in 2006, and a third album, “Live at Music City, Texas” came out in 2009.

Besides the recordings, Wes was featured in the 2003 documentary “Solidbodies: The 50 Year Guitar War,” which can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video. On New Year’s Day in 2005 Wes and his band recorded “Live at Juanita’s Ballroom” in Little Rock. Throughout his career, Wes has had the honor of sharing the stage with many musical greats such as B.B. King, Buddy NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Guy, Jimmie Vaughan, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lance Lopez, Chris Duarte and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, just to name a few. After receiving a standing ovation during the opening for B.B. King’s 2003 Shreveport show, King asked him onto his bus where he told him: “Son, you keep your head on straight - you are going places.” According to Wes, that opening for B.B., along with being asked by Warren Haynes to play with Government Mule in Shreveport are his most memorable sets. “I named my oldest son Warren, after Haynes,” said Wes. “Wes is well known and loved by most of the premier guitarists living today. (Rest in peace, B.B.) Onstage with any of these heavyweights, Wes always played like Wes; solid, real, and dazzling in a complimentary manner. That takes talent, confidence, and humility...a rare combination,” said fellow musician Cody Pappas of Atlanta. “The single most outstanding thing about Wes that you discover quickly is that he is a sincerely nice person. From our very first meeting (onstage, of course!), I always count him as a best friend.” Named East Texas (ETX) Blues Artist of the Year in 2012, 2013 and 2014, Wes was also awarded ETX Guitarist of the Year in 2013 and 2016. He won the first ever ETX “Music Legend” award in 2014. After a year of touring with the Jason Helms NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

Band in 2014, Wes opened a musical school and recording studio in his hometown. In 2016 he played all over the South with Gilmer-native Country artist Darrin Morris before joining forces with fellow Texas guitar wizard Lance Lopez in support of his “Tell the Truth Tour.” Wes is still surrounding himself with greatness to match his own talent. Currently he is playing with professional bassist Patrick Smith of the DFW area and drummer Mich Polan, who is Drums Division Head & Instructor of Modern Music at Visible Music College and drum set instructor at Neighborhood Art & Music School - NAMS, both Dallas area schools. Patrick has achieved a measure of success as both a studio musician and member of The Battle of Evermore: A Led Zeppelin Tribute Experience, Supernova Remnant, Trees Marie and the Heavy Hearts, as well as others. These three professionals have come together this summer to support Reece Malone, a 16-year old future guitar legend that Wes started teaching when he was just 11. Reece is a student at Pine Tree High School in Longview. “I knew he was a natural from the beginning,” said Wes. “I finally told him I couldn’t teach him anything else – he exceeded my skill set. I’m proud of him, no doubt.” Jamie and David Malone are excited for Reece to have a similar experience.

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He’s already endorsed by Gibson Guitars and is one of only 18 members of the G3 – Gibson Generation Group Class of 2021, worldwide. The Gibson Generation Group, or G3, is Gibson’s two-year mentoring program for new generations of guitar players. G3 members are endorsed by Gibson Brands and showcased across Gibson’s channels, reaching hundreds of millions of viewers globally. They receive one-on-one mentoring from our Entertainment Relations team, and the opportunity to participate and perform at Gibson Experiences and Events. G3 members can preview new product before it is released, create content with Gibson TV, and much more. The first G3 class, the class of 2021, is due to graduate in the Summer of 2021.

Reece started playing publicly at the age of eight with fellow guitar legend Lance Lopez, whom he counts as a major inspiration and guide, along with Jimi Hendrix, Philip Sayce, Eric Gales, Derek Trucks and Marcus King. “I was chosen to open up a private event with some fellow guitarists, playing all Gibson guitars opening for people like Slash, Don Felder, Billy Gibbons , Rick Neilson, Celisse Henderson, Lizzy Hale, Jimmy Vivino and several others,” he says, modestly. “Eric Clapton’s Crossroads was also an amazing opportunity to be one of the only local guitarists invited to play the festival.” A few years ago Reece played a charity event with Steven Perkins (drummer Jane’s Addiction), Stu Hamm (Bass player for Joe Satriani, Steve Vai) Gilby Clarke (Guns N Roses), and

Professional musicians Patrick Smith, Wes Jeans and Mich Pulon, along with TSO vocalist Kayla Reeves, joined forces to tour with 16-year-old Reece Malone this summer in NETX.

Vernon Reid (Living Colour). At 13 Reece was invited to play and represent Texas at a halftime show at a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, and has also had the opportunity to sit in with Marcus King in Dallas at The House of Blues. He is the youngest guitarist to ever be featured on the cover of Buddy Magazine, which is the oldest music magazine in the state of Texas. Besides the Gibson endorsement, he also represents Ernie Ball Strings & Homestead Amplifiers. Rounding out the stellar set is vocalist Kayla Reeves, who got her start touring with Wes when she was only 13 years old. In 2010 she signed on with Trans Siberian Orchestra’s East group as the youngest member ever. She was only 17 and now is considered one of the veterans of the group. 12

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“I remember Wes and his band picking me up at my grandmother’s house when I was 13 to go on tour. My parents made him my legal guardian so that I could go,” said Kayla. “That was the most fun I’ve ever had on a tour.” Kayla is from Dallas, but spent summers with her grandmother in Honey Grove, Texas. She will be singing a few more dates with the Reece Malone Band before going back on tour in October with TSO. Wes is spending the rest of this year playing solo dates, as well as joining in with Reece and others, before starting studio work on his fourth album that will be recorded at The Funky Frog Studios in Athens, Texas. When he isn’t entertaining fans, he is at home with his fiancé Amy White and sons Warren and Marshall. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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305 E Main St | Atlanta, TX 75551 903-796-5771

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AUGUST 2021

Since 1983 we have been serving Atlanta and its surrounding areas with a strong attention to detail and a higher level of customer service. We can customize just about anything! We offer embroidery, engraving, vinyl designs, create custom logos, DTG printing, digital and photo transfers. Our screenprint machine can print 150 to 200 shirts per hour! We offer wholesale pricing for orders of 12 or more to anyone. We recently added a new addition to our team and he has begun creating online campaigns linked to our website for local fundraisers. Atlanta Athletics and More is very dedicated to the Atlanta area and we love showing our appreciation with our fundraisers. We work for large organizations and individuals alike. We can meet your needs for game day, birthdays, family reunions, and company picnics just to name a few. We have never met a job too big or too small. Please come visit!!

Atlanta Athletics and More

112 N East St • Atlanta, Texas • 903-796-9342 • M-F 10-5 www.atlantaathleticsandmore.com • atlantaathleticsandmore@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/AtlantaAthleticsandMORE

Cobblestone is a small-town boutique with an uptown style!

We have beautiful home decor, bridal registry & gifts for all occasions. We also have a great line of stylish women’s clothing, jewelry & candles. Our services include home design, free gift wrap, & custom gift baskets that can be delivered locally or shipped anywhere in the U.S. Some of our most notable product lines are Kendra Scott, Capri Blue, Mud Pie, Thymes & Rowe Casa Organics. Call us, contact us online, on Facebook or visit our store in Atlanta, Texas.

120 E Hiram Street • 903-796-1740 www.cobblestonecollections.com

Owned by sisters Judy Pitts & Lori Cullins

Atlanta Floral

I have been in the floral business for eight years now, this business is actually what introduced me to my amazing husband of seven years. Scott Carter is the manager of Hanner Funeral Service, so being married into the funeral business, I knew that with prayer & patience my dream would surely become a blessing at hand & I can not give enough praise to the Most High. Here at Atlanta Floral & Gifts, we are very dedicated & take pride in the hard work we put forth into serving the needs of our customers. We specialize in all holidays, birthdays, funerals, & even “just because” gifts. We also do tuxedo fittings for special occasions such as weddings & proms. Our goal daily is to be a blessing to someone, so come on down to Atlanta Floral & Gift at 113 East Main Street in Atlanta, Texas & check us out - your presence is always a blessing to us.

For two years Grandma’s Attic on William Street in Atlanta grew until it was bursting at the seams. To remedy the problem, owners Ted and Penny Brabham bought a larger building at 118 East Main Street from the city and moved everything across the street. With the move came a new name –

Camelot Manor Antiques and Decorative Arts

The store offers high-end pieces from all over the country and Europe, as well as vintage collectibles, Pyrex dishes, toys, fishing lures, carnival glass, sterling silver, Godiva chocolates, candles and Waldorf crystal.

atlantadowntowm Kellie Cox proudly serves the insurance needs of the greater Atlanta – Cass County area. As a licensed Farmers agent, she can help with all of your auto, home, business and life insurance needs. “I am grateful to be a part of the revitalized Downtown Atlanta.” Kellie Cox, Amber Welborn & Sharon Clark would like to wish you happy holidays.

AUGUST 2021

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rayharpjewelers.com

shoprayharpjewelers. com

Your hometown jewelry store. We offer custom design and jewelry/watch repair. Family owned and run for 3 generations.

108 N EAST ST

ATLANTA, TX

903-796-7185

UPCOMING EVENT

September 5th 7 pm

MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS ASHLEY BRYANT BOUTIQUE 119 E Main St | Atlanta, Texas | 903-796-2451

For a unique shopping and pampering experience, visit Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Ashley Bryant Boutique located at 119 E. Main St. in Atlanta. From free steam facials to beauty makeovers, the beauty consultants at Merle Norman will give you everything you need to be beautiful. Continue your shopping experience at Ashley Bryant Boutique. We can outfit and accessorize you for any occasion. Ashley Bryant carries many wellknown brands including Brighton, Consuela, Susan Shaw, Multiples and many others. For a very special shopping experience, visit us at Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Ashley Bryant Boutique.

Images Salon & Spa was established in October 2016. We are located in Downtown Atlanta in the historic Miles Drugstore building. We are a fun, family environment with over 100 years experience in the beauty industry. We specialize in trend cutting & color. We offer a complete menu of haircare, nails, pedicures, as well as massage & facials. We are a certified Dream Catchers extension Salon. We, as a salon, are all doing our part to insure our guests have an amazing & safe experience. Please call for an appointment at 903-796-0999.

Images Salon & Spa

122 N East Street | Atlanta, TX 75551 | 903-796-0999 | Imagesalon@aol.com

The Rabbit Hole at 204 East Hiram in Atlanta, Texas

owmerchants.com

is a unique little store with an assortment of booths consisting of antiques, vintage, resale, license plate art, gifts, DVDs, VHS tapes, car air fresheners, jellies, jams, comic books, vinyl pop figures, seasonal items, and much more. Please come in and visit for you will always be surprised at what you find there.

COME CHECK OUT

Terri’s Treasures is an infants’ and children’s boutique that sells clothing and gifts. We offer free gift wrapping and offer shower registries with free local delivery.

Rocking A Western Store & Boutique The one stop shop for men, women, and children. We carry the latest western wear and style. Our brands include, Wrangler, Cinch, Dale Brisby, Lazy J, Rock-N-Roll, Cruel Girl, The Twisted Filly, Sanuk, Twisted X , and Ariat footwear. We are located at 120 E Main St. downtown Atlanta, TX. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

We also do in house embroidery ranging in price from $5-$20 per item and only a $2 fee for each item not from Terri’s Treasures! 101 E Hiram • Atlanta • 903.796.4996

25 YEARS IN BUSINESS

AUGUST 2021

City of New Boston Celebrates 50th Pioneer Days Festival Story & photos by HEATHER RUSSELL

fter the pandemic postponed the celebration for an entire year, the City of New Boston will once again be the hottest city in Texas when they celebrate the 50th annual Pioneer Days August 18-21 in downtown New Boston. People from near and far will be in town to participate in the many

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events throughout the weekend, hear live music, visit the vendor and craft booths, and enjoy the carnival rides at the hottest festival in Texas. Festivities will actually kick off the weekend before, when the New Boston Roundup Club will hold their rodeo. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the

area and beyond will ride, rope and run for big prize money on Friday and Saturday, August 13-14 at the rodeo arena on FM 992 North. Then on Monday, August 16, the first clue for the infamous treasure hunt will be revealed. Treasure hunters will be seen all week long, or until the treasure is found, scouring

public places for the elusive prize. Clues are posted daily at the Chamber of Commerce office in 3 Bostons Museum and on the chamber Facebook page. Wednesday the 18th will mark the beginning of the carnival, with rides for the thrill-seeker, as well as for smaller children. Ride tickets

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and armbands will be available for carnival-goers. On Thursday, August 19, the First Baptist Church of New Boston will host David Patillo and the Kilgore Quartet in concert at 7 p.m. Onstage at Trailhead Park Pavilion downtown will be the KISS tribute band “Destroyer” at 8:30. Friday, rides and vendors are open 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Also at 6 p.m., the art, food, quilt and baked goods show begins at the community center. In a throwback to Pioneer Days past, a street dance will be held under the pavilion at 8:30 p.m. with the band Joe Dale and Friends. Saturday will be packed with fun, food and entertainment from sun up until well past sundown. The New Boston Volunteer Fire Department pancake breakfast begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m. Vendors and the arts and crafts show also open at that time. Registration for the antique car show is from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with judging from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and awards at 2 p.m. For the music lovers, local bands will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday and continue all day at the T&P Trailhead Park Pavilion. The day’s lineup includes acoustic act Lane Bricker, local favorites and West Bowie Coun-

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ty native Parson B and the Part Time Sinners, Locked & Loaded, Christian country crooners Marlon Sharp and the Cowboys at the Cross, and TTown 5. Headlining on Saturday night is Dukes of Hazzard star and country music sensation John Schneider. All performances are free to the public. The Pioneer Days Festival is hosted by the New Boston Chamber of Commerce, and chamber president Tim Graham says this year’s festival is not something you want to miss. “The chamber is excited to be back in full swing with Pioneer Days this year,” Graham explained. “You could probably say that we’ve had two years to plan since we didn’t get to hold it last year. But big-name entertainer John Schneider is coming to town, we are having our antique car and auto show, and our carnival – many of the familiar events from years past. People are excited about getting out and having Pioneer Days this year and it is causing a lot of excitement in the community, so we are really looking forward to the success of Pioneer Days and getting back in the community.” For more information, contact the New Boston Chamber of Commerce or follow their Facebook page.

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Rocky Point Adventures becoming a destination location

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or families looking for summer fun, it is not uncommon to travel to larger areas such as Dallas, Canton, or Shreveport to find an enjoyable water park. Thanks to James and Ginger Smith, local families now only have to travel to Lone Star to find water park fun as Rocky Point Adventures opened May 15 on Lone Star Lake. “This can be such a great thing for our communities,” Daingerfield Chamber of Commerce President Josh Sanders said at the facility’s ribbon cutting. “As people start to learn about this place, it can bring so many other opportunities to our area.” The attraction is dubbed as “the ArkLaTex’s only floating 20

AUGUST 2021

TONI WALKER obstacle course and children’s aqua park.” Rocky Point Adventures, situated on Ellison Reservoir, better known as Lone Star Lake, features an 8,000 square foot pulse-pounding Challenge Course, sandy beaches, lake access and more. Aside from the 850 feet of sandy beaches, beautiful lakeshore views and the floating Challenge Course, visitors can take advantage of Rocky Point’s zero gravity lounge chairs, umbrellas, food court, beach games, and more. The attraction is locally owned by Ginger Smith and her husband James, who purchased the property from the city of Lone Star in May of 2020, after the city approved the rezoning of the area for commercial NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

use. Though they were initially met with some push back, the Smiths were able to securely clear the overgrown area that many Lone Star residents remembered frequenting in their childhood. In the time since, the Smiths have worked tirelessly clearing the property and hauling in sand to give it a “beachy” feel. There is also a pavilion overlooking the facility that can be used for special events of all types. The facility regularly hosts musical guests, and currently has several Songwriters and Sunsets Acoustic shows planned, and have hosted many events on Memorial Day and Independence Day, as well as serving host for a triathlon. “We want to make it a place for families and kids to go and have access to things they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do in our area,” Smith said at the hearing on the rezoning of the property. “We are also thinking of doing other events as well, such as some STEM events. The top of the point would be a perfect place for kids to come for astronomy, to watch meteor showers, or learn about constellations. This will be a family park.” Since their opening, Rocky Point has added peddle boards and other similar activities

that can be rented, and a food truck from The Rabbit Hole, Too, provides food and beverages to visitors at the park. The main observation deck that overlooks the facility provides beverages and can be rented out for special events. The picturesque setting would make a wonderful backdrop for weddings and special events. Locals and visitors alike still have plenty of time to take in the 270-degrees of lake views that the facility offers, along with the challenge course and other water activities. Visitors can visit the website, www. rockypointlonestar.com for details on pricing, upcoming special events and group rates. Once you book your reservations for Rocky Point Adventures, it is important to know that they do allow visitors to bring in coolers of their own for a small fee; however, those coolers cannot include alcohol or glass bottles. When arriving for your reservations, visitors are asked to park at 108 West Germany, where they will check in, confirm their reservations, be fitted for life jackets (that will be required at any time in the water), and catch a shuttle to the lakefront. From there, it is simply a matter of enjoying what is quickly becoming a gem on Lone Star Lake.

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AUGUST 2021

The Anvil Built with Blood, Sweat, and Beers

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ucked away on Compress Street in downtown Pittsburg sits Anvil Brewing, a restaurant and brewery that marries the old with the new. Since its opening, the Anvil has become a fixture in the community. With its diverse menu, handcrafted beverages, and live music each weekend, locals flock to the Anvil. Owners Byron and Kristin Aldredge bought the old Pilgrim’s Feed and Seed building in 2017 and renovated the space into a restaurant, brewery, and dance hall. During that renovation, the

AUGUST 2021

Aldredges made it their mission to retain all of the historic charm. Coming back to his hometown that has Aldredge roots back to its pioneering days, he immersed himself in the project of bringing the feed store’s bones back to life using all reclaimed materials from the building itself. He’s also passionate about the past that surrounds Pittsburg, and he wants the rest of the state to know just where it is on the map - to come for the talented, diverse, undiscovered musicians and stay to learn about the en-

DI DUNCAN trepreneurial, pioneering spirit of the town’s historical figures. “Aubrey Pilgrim put his heart into that store and I’m putting my heart into it,” said Byron during the initial restoration. Not only does the Anvil have aesthetic charm, the food and drink menus are also sure to please even the pickiest of palates and the most restrictive of diets. Armed with skinny cocktails, paleo and vegan options, and a killer array of appetizers, the Anvil’s menu knocks the socks off of your average small town restaurant.

A self-proclaimed foodie, Kristin works hard to ensure that anyone who comes in can enjoy a bite to eat. That’s why she has created recipes such as the Paleo Burger, the Fried Green Tomato BLT, and the incredible portabella and goat cheese sandwich. Kristin has also created a stunning line of fresh salads, including the Chipotle Chicken Salad, the Chicken Salad Salad, and many more. The star of the salad menu is the Beef & Bleu, a beautiful fresh salad made with a bed of greens, tomatoes, red

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onions, pecans, craisins, fresh bleu cheese crumbles, and steak cooked to order. Aside from skinny and specialty items, the Anvil’s menu is bursting with exciting entrees like the Reuben Mac n’ Cheese, Chicken and Waffles, and a seriously impressive chicken salad sandwich, chocked full of apples, grapes, and craisins, and seasoned to perfection. Their claim to fame, however, is their Reuben sandwich. This monster sandwich comes with loads of corned beef and pastrami, the house secret Reuben sauce, swiss cheese, and housemade sauerkraut. Each recipe is created and curated by Kristin, using the finest ingredients available. All burgers are made with Angus beef, the pasta is imported from Italy, and the vegetables are perfectly fresh and crisp. “Kristin spends the money where it really matters,” says Byron. For those with a sweet tooth, the Anvil also offers waffle ice cream sandwiches, cinnamon sugar soft pretzels, brownie sundaes, and root beer floats. Now, let’s talk about drinks. Byron brews a wide variety of NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

beers, including Bulldog brown ale, Cerveza, Irish Red, Coffee Porter, Creme Brulee stout, Humpty Heles, New England IPA, Hibiscus Whit, and a fabulous London Porter, which is served on a beer engine. The Anvil also serves domestics and crafts other than their own, along with a growing number of other selections, such as the Mango Madness and Berry Punch cocktails made with Truly seltzers, the Island Dream Addiction, the Pittsburg Mule, piña coladas, lemon drops, margaritas, and mojitos. The Anvil also makes a mean Bloody Mary. Kristin says that where she comes from, it isn’t at all uncommon for families to go out and unwind on a Friday night - the parents have a few drinks responsibly while the kids play. She says she wants to bring that culture to the area and has created this space for people of all ages to sit back and enjoy life. On Friday and Saturday nights, she brings in bands from all over to perform on the Anvil stage so that guests at the establishment can listen to the newest in southern sound. She has also welcomed comedy acts

to perform, bringing even more cheer to the venue. When asked what her vision for the Anvil moving forward is, Kristin says that she wants the restaurant to become a place not only for families to relax, but

a place where people can come together to celebrate their largest milestones. No matter what stage of life you’re in, there’s something special waiting for you at Anvil Brewing.

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Avery TomATo Shed F

or six decades, Avery was the center of the tomato industry that was a $1 million-plus boom to the Red River County economy. The first Tomato Festival in Avery was held in 1931 and later festivals included political stump-speakings, free “picture shows,” parades, and dances. Avery set a shipping record in 1946 with 329 rail cars loaded. By 1947, tomatoes provided a $1.1 million economic boost to the county. Doug Gortney, who is a member of the Avery city council, headed up the fundraising efforts for the tomato shed. The city received a Lennox Foundation grant and matched that dollar amount to fund the construction of the tomato shed. Those funds built the building in whole and the fundraising com28

AUGUST 2021

MAGGIE TAYLOR

mittee raised the remaining amount needed for completion. In total the city received $75,000 worth of cash donations. The fundraising committee raised the money for the stage, sidewalks, and all the lighting under the tomato shed. The committee sold a total of 310 bricks for the construction of a memorial pathway. “This is only phase one, we plan to continue having fundraisers and hope in the near future to add on to the tomato shed with a concession area, bathrooms, and a museum,” says Gortney. Tentative plans are to build the addition with the old wood planks from the original tomato shed that stood back in the 1900’s. When finished they plan to put the equipment that was in the original

tomato shed inside for the community to see. “We want to put stuff concerning the original tomato shed and the old tomato harvest,” stated Doug Gortney. Fairly soon the committee is wanting to begin hosting a variety of events at the tomato shed. Doug says, “Farmers markets, arts and crafts, bands, and a kids movie night. We want to be selective of the things people bring but also wish for many community members to make special items.” Eileen Stearman of Texarkana, Texas, spent 11 days in Avery and painted the mural on the back wall of the tomato shed. Eileen contacted the city and offered to come and paint the mural as a donation. She said, “My husband was from around here and his par-

ents were very viable people in the community. I felt that I should give something back to the city and this was my gift.” The mural she painted was inspired by historical books she had read and old articles and pictures she had seen of the original tomato shed. Gortney was obviously very proud of the beautiful mural. “Had it not been for Mrs. Eileen this would just be a building,” he explained. “ Now it is more than just a building to me and the surrounding community.” The city of Avery will be planning a grand opening for the new tomato shed. They hope to have a live band, hotdogs, hamburgers, and a ribbon cutting ceremony. They will discuss the date and time of the grand opening at their next council meeting. NETX CROSSROADS MAGAZINE

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