Discover Sulphur Springs by Fox Press

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Visitor’s Guide 2022

elcome to our inaugural edition of Discover Sulphur Springs, the official Visitor’s Guide of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, Texas. If you’ve picked up this edition while here in Sulphur Springs, let me tell you, we are so happy that you are here, and this publication will help you navigate the many activities happening here and around Hopkins County. If you are seeing this for the first time outside of our area, let me offer you my personal invitation to come visit our town. You will not find a more beautiful and inviting downtown square, than here in Sulphur Springs, Texas. No matter what you are looking for, shopping, dining, golf, fishing, hunting, boating, just to name a few things, we are the place to visit and to live. Whether you are here for a day trip or a weekend, we have so much to keep you busy and entertained. The area also provides many hotels, B&B’s and Airbnb accommodations are also available in the area. This Visitor’s Guide is published by The Sulphur Springs

News-Telegram, which has been the main source of local news here in Hopkins County since 1854. The newspaper has gone through a few name and ownership changes throughout the years and officially became The News-Telegram in the 1970’s. We now offer local news coverage twice a week, in the traditional print format, as well as our website, Facebook page, email blasts and newsletters. In addition, we publish our quarterly magazine, Down Home East Texas and our yearly high school football preview magazine, Friday Night Lights. Each month we also feature a different special section, always with a local focus. We also publish Country World newspaper, the leading weekly agricultural newspaper in Northeast Texas. So welcome to Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County! We hope you enjoy your stay here and we are sure you will fall in love with the area, just like we have. Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs, a great place to visit and a wonderful place to call home.

Dave Shabaz, Publisher dave@ssnewstelegram.com Discover Sulphur Springs magazine is a publication of the Sulphur Springs NewsTelegram and is published one time a year. Discover Sulphur Springs is copyrighted by and a registered trademark of the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Reproduction of any part of the publication is strictly forbidden without written permission from the Sulphur Springs News-Telegram.

THE SULPHUR SPRINGS NEWS-TELEGRAM

200 Main Street Sulphur Springs, Texas (903) 885-8663

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Lezley Brown

Contributing Writer

John Sellers

Contributing Writer

Ariel Phillips Staff Writer

Butch Burney

Contributing Writer

Daylan Millard Sales

Faith Whittle Graphic Artist

Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image | Cover photo by Faith Whittle

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CHRISTUS Mother Frances - Sulphur Springs State-of-the-Art Technology, and close to home.

The Sulphur Springs area and surrounding Hopkins County and Northeast Texas regions have seen a great deal of growth and development over the last 5 years – due in large part to the investment and development of CHRISTUS Health, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs and the ongoing passion and support of the community it calls home. Since two prestigious health care organizations came together to form CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs and CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic-Sulphur Springs in 2016, the health care facilities have expanded their reach and access to patients seeking high quality health care across the region. Most recently, patients have seen expanded access to critical women’s services through the addition of the new Women’s Center for breast health, and the updated Mother-Baby unit. There have also been several dramatic leaps forward in advanced treatment services thanks to the introduction of new Mako Robotic Surgery technology in the Orthopedics program and the new Mobile Athlete Training Room (MATR) in Sports Medicine program. “In the face of the challenge of COVID-19 and everything we have faced, we are very proud of the effort and expertise displayed here by every member of our health care teams at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, in the hospital and across this community,” said Paul Harvey, Chief Executive Officer for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances - Sulphur Springs. “The people of Sulphur Springs care deeply about this place, and we’ve worked very hard to repay that trust by investing in the future of health care here. Looking forward, we are excited about the growth and success that we are planning for today.” CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances - Sulphur Springs serves an enormous part of Texas: the primary service area covers 11 cities containing more than 60,000 people, and the secondary service

area includes 13 more towns and an additional 40,000-plus people. “With a service area that large, it is important that we not only offer a wide range of treatments and procedures to our patients, but we must also provide these services at a very high level – and that is something we’ve been focused on since day one,” said Harvey. CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs serves as a beacon for health care excellence in the area. The 96-bed hospital has high-level ICU and Inpatient Rehab units, as well as a Level IV Trauma Center. The facility has expanded services to provide 24/7 coverage with Intensivists and Hospitalists, as well as round-the-clock Cath Lab/STEMI Call and Neuro/Stroke Coverage for heart failure patients and stroke patients, respectively. There is also Obstetrics specialists providing coverage 24-hours-a-day for expectant mothers. “We are very proud of our mother/baby unit here in Sulphur Springs – it provides all of the modern standards of care that you’d expect in metropolitan facilities – but it’s here locally for our residents,” said Martin Fielder, M.D., FACOG, Chief Medical Officer and OBGYN Physician, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs. “They can expect safe, outstanding care with the convenience of being close to home.” In just these first 5 years, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances - Sulphur Springs has implemented wide-scale organizational changes and quality improvements that have made a tremendous impact in the care we provide. “In a short amount of time, we have received Joint Commission accreditation, received the Level II recognition for our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and been awarded a Special Care Nursery designation,” said Harvey. “Most recently – and repeatedly – we have been recognized for providing exceptional care to our

patients by the LeapFrog Agency, earning ‘A’ grades for Patient Safety in consecutive periods.” These advances and recognitions are not simply awards that fill trophy cases, they speak to the enhanced and truly worldclass health care services provided to Sulphur Springs and the surrounding area. The expansion of CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic and the investment in technology and facilities development impacts patients across the system every day. “We brought on a full-time gastroenterologist and expanded coverage for that service line,” said Harvey, “and that’s just to start. We have built a comprehensive pain management program and re-engaged and reinvigorated our relationship with Advanced Heart Care to ensure our patients receive the lifesaving heart care they need. We have also invested in minimally invasive technology, like the MAKO surgical robotics system, that allows specialists to perform complex orthopedic surgeries like knee replacements with less stress and faster recovery.” CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs has also implemented a 24/7 hospitalist program with Access Physicians, added acute stroke and urgent and general Neurology coverage. We have developed and implemented a sleep medicine program with a hospital-based sleep lab. In order to improve efficiency and wait times in the Emergency Department (ED), we have implemented Fast Track ED workflow. We have also established a state-of-the-art outpatient telemedicine clinic offering our patients access to multiple specialties. “Sulphur Springs is a wonderful place to live and work, but it is not a large city – and that does present some challenges when it comes to health care,” said Harvey. “That means we are working smarter to connect patients to the health care services they need, and to accomplish those goals we have made some significant investments in technology here at our ministry.”

A good portion of the technology investment has been made possible through the efforts of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Sulphur Springs and by the support of the community itself. “CHRISTUS Health has been a wonderful supporter of this area and the Foundation since our joining, but I think it’s important for the community to realize that all of the money raised here stays here,” said Shannon Barker, Executive Director, Hopkins County Health Care Foundation. “With those funds and support we’ve been able to reinvest in our community – by purchasing new equipment, by revitalizing our spaces and by upgrading our facilities. One great example is the partnered donation of the MATR thanks to our Foundation and to Alliance Bank. That’s something that helps patients today and will be here with us into the future.” “We want to demonstrate our commitment to our patients and to this community and make our intentions clear,” said Harvey. “We want to invest here, to grow and to make sure our patients receive the very highest levels of care we can provide. We must use our resources efficiently and then we must also grow: adding medical staff members and supporting this community will continue to be one of our strongest areas of focus.” Looking back to the first days of the agreement with CHRISTUS Health, the caregivers, administrators and team members who work at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Sulphur Springs all seek to live up to and echo the words of board member Joe Bob Burgin from 2016: “I truly believe through CHRISTUS Health, [we] will become stronger and better as we become CHRISTUS Mother Frances - Sulphur Springs. I hope the entire community will join us in celebrating this new and better health care endeavor for all the people who will benefit from our health care.”

MoreThan

You Imagined! By Lezley Brown

A dream written down becomes a goal. A goal broken

into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action becomes a reality. Three steps were needed… and three steps were taken when dreamers wholeheartedly embraced the idea of making Sulphur Springs new. The downtown area of Sulphur Springs certainly did not look the same just a few years ago. Determination and dedication persevered,

and walking the downtown sidewalks in a magical, almost unreal world, became the result. That result did not stop in downtown… it trickled north, south, east, and west until the whole town was dedicated to becoming shiny and new. Now then, that’s what you see wherever you go! Do you need a unique place to shop? Done. Are you looking for fabulous food and dining? Done. Do you need wine… or entertainment… or a place to gather with friends

Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image

and family? Done! Sulphur Springs literally has everything you could imagine. Go to the movie theater. Try your hand at virtual reality gaming. Shop all over town in neat places here and there. Sit outside and dine on patios. Eat delicious food. Play golf at a luxurious course.

Go to a choral society concert. Ride in a hot air balloon. Watch the most impressive Fourth of July fireworks display backed by our amazing local symphony. Walk through our parks, around the lake, up and down quaint streets. Stroll with your animals while you wave and smile at

neighbors. Jump in your car with the windows down and drive the county roads. And for heaven’s sake, eat the stew! Do you feel that? You know the feeling… the one that brings a smile to your lips and creates a warm-fuzzy stirring in the belly. It’s the feeling that you can’t escape when you spend time in a city as heartfelt as this. It’s an emotion mixed like a potion… made of pride, wonderment, happiness, and hope. It’s the one that encourages you to buy a home or purchase some land that caught your eye. It’s the one that prompts you to put down some deep roots. It’s the one that inspires you to host Sunday lunch at your house. It’s the familiar feeling of being home. You may be new to Sulphur Springs. You may be a visitor, or you may be a lifetime resident. You may fall somewhere in between. Time does not matter here… the importance is that you have found your home. What matters now is that you embrace this amazing place with gusto. Don’t fall victim to watching the outside from within. Jump in there and do all the neat things Sulphur Springs offers. Find your favorite people, make plans, make memories. In time, reminisce. During that time of reminiscing, go ahead and smile. Be happy and confident to know that you have spent quality time in a community that has done its very best to be the very best. Do your part to add goodness. Sulphur Springs was a diamond in the rough. It’s always been a place full of love, but now, it has all the beauty and fun to go with it! Welcome to Sulphur Springs! You’re gonna love this place!

“I love not man the less, but Nature more.”

- Lord Byron

“I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world.”

~ George Washington Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image

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Go to hopkinschamber.org for our event calendar! There are a lot of great communities in Northeast Texas, but Sulphur Springs is truly a one-of-a-kind gem. We have a combination of rural living, modern boutiques and a work/ life balance that includes outdoor activities and cultural amenities. If you’re here for a weekend, wow, do we have things for you. Starting in the spring, there is something happening virtually every weekend, including Rotary’s Claws for a Cause crawfish boil, the Chamber’s annual golf tournament, the Healthcare Foundation’s spectacular gala, the Freedom Ball to recognize our veterans, the Patriot Sporting Challenge, downtown markets, Friday night movies on the plaza, and Saturday evening markets. In the summer, we have our annual Dairy Festival and hot air balloon launch, Independence Day concert and fireworks show, glorious days for fishing and swimming, a downtown splash pad, and a newly renovated Pacific Park with a crossfit workout

pad open to everyone. Join us in October for the World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest, where we have 150-plus pots of chicken and beef stew to feed about 7,000 Join us for fun at Kids Kingdom and the skate park at the city’s Buford Park, go walking or jogging around Coleman Lake, and dip a hook in Peavine Pinion Pool or nearby Lake Fork, Cooper Lake and Lake Cypress Springs. We have dozens of locally-owned boutiques and restaurants, including locally brewed beer and locally bottled wine. We have an active theater on Main Street, as well as incredible vocal and orchestral groups that offer the best in Northeast Texas. Our economic base is solid with a three-pronged mix of agriculture, manufacturing and retail that keeps our economy strong and diverse. Our schools are known for awardwinning academic excellence and state championship-caliber athletic

prowess. We have a strong medical community, an active library and a thriving downtown. Where else can you find glass bathrooms on the square, a full-size football field under a dome at the high school, a museum dedicated to the dairy industry and a stew festival that brings in 7,000 people? It’s not Dallas or Houston or San Antonio. It’s Hopkins County. So, I hope you will grow to love Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County whether you’re new to the area or simply visiting. I mean, what’s not to love?

Butch Burney

President/CEO, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce

Como-Pickton ISD 18

Downtown Sulphur Springs

The beauty of Community

Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image

By The Downtown Business Alliance

If you’ve ever traveled I-30 East or West between Dallas and Texarkana, you may not have realized there is a hidden gem a mile and a half north off the interstate. Some have described it as a Thomas Kinkade painting, or a scene from a Hallmark movie. The city leadership, along with the community and dedicated business owners have developed a little slice of Heaven. It is located right between Dallas and Texarkana, so it is a meeting spot for many. Locals now bring

visiting family members and travelers enjoy a refreshing rest. If you ask locals who were born and raised in Sulphur Springs or the surrounding area, many will say they still can’t believe how the downtown square has become a destination point. They remember when it was just a parking lot and only a few small businesses existed downtown. Many of the buildings were in rough shape and abandoned. But a vision was had between several pillars of the community and the city manager.

The Downtown Business Alliance was formed in 2004 with the purpose of building a strong city center. A place for locals and travelers to retreat to. The magic started in 2008. The DBA members wanted to apply for the Main Street designation through the State of Texas. A program aimed at revitalizing city downtowns. With that comes criteria that must be met, and regulations put in place by the state. And time. They took the idea to the city council and from there, the start of something great began. The

city manager could see the vision of a bustling downtown center, but also knew the bureaucracy involved in partnering with the State of Texas. So, he made a proposal. Let the city do their own planning and revitalize it themselves. Within a short time, the plans were drawn up, and work began. Fast forward to today, and the downtown square is thriving!

Businesses are growing and new ones are moving in. The buildings have been revitalized; many now have apartments on the upper floors. Tesla has 8 charging stations, for those traveling I-30 to recharge. Most of them enjoy the shops and restaurants while they wait. Our worldfamous glass bathrooms are also becoming a must-see attraction. You can see out, but you can’t see in. And the events we have! From March through December,

there is always something going on. It truly is a thriving and beautiful city center. The heartbeat of Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County. And it was all made possible by the drive of individuals who love the city in which they live. And it continues to improve. New visions being developed. It is a beautiful thing to be part of. We encourage all small businesses to join the Downtown Business Alliance. With more members comes greater potential. So, if you find yourself on I-30, exit off and make your way to our Celebration Plaza. You will be glad you did. Shoot, you might even decide to move here.

A Functional Art Piece

Glass Bathrooms in Sulphur Springs By: Ariel Phillips

As a Hopkins County native, I remember the square before it was ‘Celebration Plaza’. What was once mainly a mess of narrow, one-way streets, a parking lot and empty storefronts is now a bustling shopping and dining center with a grassy park area. The city of Sulphur Springs completed a revitalization project around 2012 with the most talked about and controversial addition being added in November when the city of Sulphur Springs debuted the glass bathrooms. Artistic yet functional, the bathrooms are an eye-catching tourist attraction that bring visitors from all over the U.S. from California to New Jersey. Each bathroom is just as visitors would expect, a sink, a toilet, and some toilet paper except for one aspect. Modeled after Italian artist, Monica Bonivicini’s art piece “Don’t Miss A Sec” from 2004 which was displayed outside an art museum in Switzerland, the mirrored-glass bathrooms are the first of their kind in the United States. While sitting inside, one can see out at the flagpole, courthouse, splash pad, and most of the downtown square but no one walking past can see inside. To make this illusion work, the outside of the bathrooms are lit with LED lights placed around the bathroom. The bathrooms were temporarily closed after being vandalized in October 2021 when a local man

reportedly smashed the glass with an unknown item. The glass needed to replace the damaged panes was on backorder until January 7, 2022 when the bathrooms were repaired and reopened. Texas Monthly wrote a story in 2013 sharing that the glass bathrooms were competing for “America’s Best Restroom” against Buc-ee’s. The contest site shared that the total cost of the bathrooms was $54,000, not exactly a inexpensive project. At the time of their debut, City Manager Marc Maxwell told KLTV that the bathrooms are closely monitored by multiple security cameras placed around the square. There is normally a line of people waiting to use these bathrooms, but I can’t say that I have ever been one of them. The idea of people pressing their faces against the glass while I’m taking care of business just makes me selfconscious and uncomfortable. While waiting to check out this functioning art piece, check out the other attractions that make up the Celebration District, including life size chess or checkers, a splash pad in the summer, local shops like The Magic Scoop Ice Cream and Gift Shop, dining experiences such as the Corner Grub House, or the boutique clothing shops such as Marlene’s Sass and Class. The Hopkins County Veterans Memorial is also located on the square next to the courthouse.

Greetings: Sulphur Springs is called The Celebration City for a reason. We have over 310 events per year. Some events are small and some are enormous, but they all have that hometown feel. Come join us during the Crawfish Boil, Cinco de Mayo, Dairy Festival, Celebration Market, Family Movie Fridays, Fourth of July, World Famous Hopkins County Stew Contest, Car Shows, Main Street Uncorked, Ribeye Roundup, Texafied Jamfest, Turkey Trot, Christmas Parade, Fall Festival, and that is just to name a few! You are invited to explore our world-class, award-winning downtown for dining, shopping, live theater, music and so much more. Featured downtown are the Veteran’s Memorial displaying the names of veterans who have lived or currently live in Hopkins County, the eternal flame, and a statue of a soldier from the Korean War. History lovers can enjoy the rich history of Sulphur Springs during horse drawn buggy rides. The children love the illuminated splash pad in the shape of a Texas star, and giant-sized checker and chess boards. Sulphur Springs has the only see-through public restrooms in the United States – you can see out, but you can’t see in. Sulphur Springs is one of the hidden gems of Northeast Texas. We welcome you to come join us and experience our interpretation of Americana.

STEW + 75482

World Champion

Hopkins County Stew Contest By Butch Burney

Nothing satisfies the tummy on a crisp autumn day like chicken stew. Unless it’s beef stew. But on the second Saturday in October in Hopkins County, you don’t have to choose. Have a bowl of each. The World Championship Hopkins County Stew Contest will do wonders for that stew craving, along with all the fixin’s, when it’s held Saturday, Oct. 22, at Buford Park in Sulphur Springs. The aroma of 150 pots of stew ready for eating will bring in about 6,000 people to the park for the largest annual gathering in Hopkins County. This year will be the 53rd time that the stew contest has been held, though the roots of Hopkins County stew go back at least 100 years, when it was the principal food at school gatherings. That tradition is carried on today with the recipe of chicken or beef along with potatoes, tomatoes, corn and onions along with whatever “secret ingredients” that each chef uses to make their stew their own. Last year, more than 3,000 gallons of stew were served, one bowl at a time. That doesn’t count the 14,000 crackers or 7,000 pieces of cheese that were consumed. It’s an all-youcan-eat time of your life. If you don’t get your fill of stew on Saturday, then buy a quart for $10 to take home with you. No one should leave hungry. While that weekend is mostly about the stew, there are some fringe benefits to visiting the park early or staying late. The Friday before the stew contest, there will be an appetizer contest and a concert at the park. Plus, more than two dozen vendors will be on hand for shoppers who don’t want to go home empty handed. Hopkins County is one-of-a-kind and the stew contest follows that mold. Join us the weekend of Oct. 21-22 for a stewlicious experience.

Beauty

runs deep

in our small town!

Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image

Welcome to Sulphur Springs - Population 16,014 28

Stay On Pointe.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Saturday, May 7, 2022 Celebration Plaza Branded Ranch Rodeo Saturday, May 14, 2022 Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Indoor Arena, 1200 Houston St., Sulphur Springs Moon Telescope Viewing at VR Social Sat, May 14, 8pm – 10pm VR Social Sulphur Springs, 317 Spring St, Sulphur Springs Bicycle GLOW Ride at VR Social Thu, May 19, 8pm – 10pm VR Social Sulphur Springs, 317 Spring St, Sulphur Springs Hopkins County Freedom Ball Sat, May 21, 6pm – 10pm Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, 1200 Houston St, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482

Family Movie Night! - ‘The Addams Family’ (2019) Fri, June 3, 8:45pm – 10:15pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Community Players Presents - ‘Trifles’ Fri, June 10th thru June 12th, 7pm – 9pm, then again on June 16th thru June 19th Main Street Community Theatres, 227 Main St, Sulphur Springs Dairy Festival Fri., June 10th thru Saturday, June 18, 2022 Family Movie Night - ‘Luca’ Fri, June 10, 8:45pm – 10:45pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Moon Telescope Viewing at VR Social Mon, June 13, 8:30pm – 10:30pm VR Social Sulphur Springs, 317 Spring St, Sulphur Springs

Bicycle GLOW Ride at VR Social Thu, June 16, 8:15pm – 10:15pm VR Social Sulphur Springs, 317 Spring St, Sulphur Springs Family Movie Night - ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’ Fri, June 17, 8:45pm – 10:45pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Family Movie Night - ‘Angry Birds 2’ Fri, June 24, 8:45pm – 10:45pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Family Movie Night - ‘Soul’ Fri, July 1, 8:45pm – 10:15pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs 4th of July Celebration Sat, July 2, 5pm – 9pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs

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Ink Masters Tattoo Expo Jul 8 – 10, 2022 Hopkins County Civic Center &#8211; Entire Exhibit Hall Family Movie Night - ‘The Mitchells vs. The Machines’ Fri, July 8, 8:45pm – 10:45pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Moon Telescope Viewing at VR Social Tue, July 12, 8:30pm – 10:30pm VR Social Sulphur Springs Family Movie Night - ‘The Parent Trap’ (1998) Fri, July 15, 8:45pm – 10:45pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Bicycle GLOW Ride at VR Social Thu, July 21, 8:15pm – 10:15pm VR Social Sulphur Springs, 317 Spring St, Sulphur Springs Family Movie Night ‘Encanto’ Fri, July 22, 8:45pm – 10:45pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs

Family Movie Night - ‘Pirates of the Carribean-Dead Men Tell No Tales’ Fri, July 29, 8:45pm – 10:45pm Celebration Plaza Jettribe WaterX Championship Aug 4 – 7, 2022 Lake Coleman, Sulphur Springs Family Movie Night ‘Wonder Woman’ Fri, August 12, 2022, 8:30pm – 10:30pm Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Bicycle GLOW Ride at VR Social Thu, August 18, 2022, 7:30pm – 9:30pm VR Social Sulphur Springs Lone Star Heritage Quilt Show Fri, September 23, 2022, 8:30am – 4:00pm The ROC, 115 Putman St, Sulphur Springs Corvette Club Corvette Show Saturday, Sep 24, 2022

Faire at the Park Saturday, Sep 24, 2022 Buford Park, 733 Connally St, Sulphur Springs Cattleman’s Rib-Eye Round-Up Saturday, Oct 1, 2022 Celebration Plaza, Sulphur Springs Main Street Uncorked Saturday, Oct 8, 2022 Texafied Jamfest Nov 3 – 5, 2022 Birthright, TX 75482 DBA Classic Car Show Saturday, Nov 5, 2022 Hopkins County Turkey Trot Thursday, Nov 24, 2022 Christmas in the Park Saturday, Nov 26, and Dec. 3rd, 2022 Celebration Market Every Saturday evening, 5pm – 9pm during the spring and summer months. Downtown Sulphur Springs. See https://business.hopkinschamber.org/events/calendar for all Hopkins County Chamber’s event calendar

Visitor Guide COOPER LAKE STATE PARK 2,560 acres of terrain with a 19,300-lake, offers a variety of water and land-based recreation for outdoor enthusiasts. Water sports fans can enjoy skiing, fishing, boating, and more than 25 miles of shoreline. Experiences here range from nature study and educational programs to horseback riding, picnicking, primitive to RV and cabin camping, bike and nature trails, bird watching, swimming, and sunbathing on one of two designated beaches. LAKE FORK The lake is world renown for trophy bass and is located just 15 miles south of Sulphur Springs on Highway 154. The lake covers 27,000 surface acres, not only good for bass fishing, but crappie, catfish and bluegill, as well. Completed in 1980, Lake Fork gained the reputation for being the hottest bass fishing lake in Texas after its first state record bass was

caught in 1986. COLEMAN LAKE PARK The park opened in the spring of 2002. The main entrance is on the north service road of Interstate 30, recognizable by the Coleman water tower that marks the park’s gated entryway. What sets this 200-acre park apart from the rest of its wooded nature trails, a 9-foot waterfall, fishing pier, and massive sports complex, which includes tennis courts, soccer fields, a disc golf course and tournamentrated baseball and softball fields. Amenities at Coleman Park also include walking and jogging trails, picnic areas, pavilion, a creed-fed lake, as well as a wading pool. BUFORD PARK Sulphur Springs’ Old City Park is located at the west end of Connally Street. A one-acre castle playground built in 1997, known as Kids Kingdom, is one of the main features of these wooded grounds.

This recreational area includes lighted baseball fields, walking/jogging trails, gazebos, pavilion, a skateboard park, and basketball courts. In 2009, the park became home to the World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest. In 2013, the Adult Leadership Class built a beautiful Boardwalk around Peavine Pinion Lake. In 2022, the current Adult Leadership class chose Kids Kingdom as their project and are in the process of renovating the playground. PACIFIC PARK This park is a playground located on the city’s east side at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive between Ross and Beckham streets. This park also includes a splash and spray aquatic activity pad, which was completed in 2005. SOUTHWEST DAIRY MUSEUM Since 1989, Sulphur Springs has been home to the Southwest Dairy Museum. The center is housed in a

beautiful 10,000-squarefoot facility built of white stone in typical dairy farm style. Their state-of-theart exhibits are designed to accommodate large audiences in a timely manner. Here you will find the history of the dairy industry in the Southwest for the enjoyment and education of generations to come. HOPKINS MUSEUM AND HERITAGE PARK Step into the past at Hopkins County Museum and Heritage Park. The history of Hopkins County will come alive as you see the items used by early residents and walk among historical buildings in the 11-acre park. Some notable structures are the working blacksmith shop, the first brick home in the country, a country store, post office, syrup mill, grist mill, log houses, and farm buildings. The museum and park bring the heritage of Hopkins County to life.

Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image

THE SULPHUR SPRINGS LIBRARY Built in 2000 as a stateof-the-art facility, Sulphur Springs Public Library symbolizes the city’s dedication to improving the quality of life for residents. More than three times the size of the previous facility, the new building allows the library to offer much more than before and boasts more than 50,000 visits per year. The library has 27 public access computers, which are available to children, teen, and adult library patrons. The addition of digital eBooks and eAudiobooks in 2014 greatly increased the number of patrons using the library for pleasure and

informational reading. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society moved into the large conference room area of the library building in 2015 and has found he public library a willing partner in genealogy endeavors. This is also the home of the Leo St. Clair Music Box Collection, one of the largest of its kind in the world, which makes the library a must-see for visitors as well as local citizens. The collection has been featured on the internet: Trekaroo.com, AAA Travel website, Trip Advisor, TravelTexas.com;

on TV: an episode of PBS’s The Daytripper with Chet Garner and an episode of syndicated Texas Country Reporter; and in books: Oddball Texas, and Daytrips from Dallas and Fort Worth. It is also viewable on the library website, www. sslibrary.org under Digital Resources. The Sinclair WWII Collection holds a cherished place in the Sulphur Springs Public Library and Hopkins County. It contains mementoes of the life and marriage of local residents Buddy and Katie Sinclair, which spans 100 years. Take a stroll through life in oldtime Hopkins County and

experience an important part of our local heritage. SULPHUR SPRINGS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT “Educating All Students to Their Fullest Potential” The Sulphur Springs Independent School District is composed of over 4400 students and almost 700 employees. The district has nine campuses: DouglassEarly Childhood Learning Center (Early ChildhoodPre-K), Bowie, Bush, Lamar and Travis Primaries (grades K-3), Sulphur Springs Elementary School (grades 4-5), Sulphur Springs Middle School (grades 6-8), Sulphur Springs High

School (grades 9-12), and the Austin Academy Center. Believing that all children can learn, the District works to motivate each student to reach their full, personal potential. Sulphur Springs ISD students are held to high academic standards and regularly perform well on state assessments and are competitive in academic UIL. The district, along with each individual campus, continues to meet performance indexes and earn distinction designations within the state accountability system. Recognizing the importance of technology in today’s world, SSISD has made the commitment to implement a 1:1 technology initiative by placing an electronic device in the hands of each student from Pre-K to 12th grade. iPads, tablets, or laptops grace the classrooms of each building within the district. The District’s instructional staff works diligently to facilitate the daily incorporation of technology into the curriculum. Students are being prepared to contribute and compete within the everchanging world in

which we live. Sulphur Springs Independent School District offers an athletic program that works to develop a well-rounded student athlete; striving to teach character, discipline, work ethic and team unity, both on the playing field and in the classroom. Competitive sports offered at the varsity and sub-varsity levels include football, volleyball, cross country, tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, golf powerlifting and track. Fine Arts are also an emphasis of the Sulphur Springs Independent School District. The staff and administration of SSISD believes that all students are benefitted by the skills, emotional development, cultural awareness, and team building that is a part of arts education. In turn, the arts are proven to increase success in the core curriculum classrooms. Fine Arts courses offered are theatre arts, band, choir, strings, dance, drill team, and elementary music and choir. Sulphur Springs High School is very proud of their Career and Technical

Education Program. Career and Technical Education empowers students to attain the technical and the soft skills necessary to facilitate student leadership and, ultimately, to gain a competitive edge for college and career readiness through programs emphasizing real-world, real-life skills. The vision is that each CTE student will graduate SSHS ready for college, career, and life.

honorably in the U.S. Military – the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, including Reserves and National Guard, and are a current or past resident of Hopkins County are eligible to have their name included on the memorial. Any deceased veteran who has served honorably and whose final place of rest is in Hopkins County is also eligible.

SSISD is a proud member of the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce and welcomes you to visit its schools!

HOPKINS COUNTY REGIONAL CIVIC CENTER This multi-purpose facility is designed to offer you up to 7,500 square feet of meeting/banquet space with moveable walls to offer up to four separate rooms starting at 1,000 square feet. You will also find a climatecontrolled coliseum; a 40,000 square foot livestock pavilion; a 60,000 square foot equine pavilion; and a 1,250 seat auditorium. The Coliseum: an ideal livestock facility with elevated sale ring, in-house sound system, six Priefert bucking chutes, and plenty of Priefert panels for dozens of pens and gates. Over 2,500 comfortable bleacher seats with back rests for the two major rodeos held annually, in

VETERANS MEMORIAL Another aspect of the community’s dedication to preserving the past includes the Hopkins County Veterans Memorial project. The overall goal for the memorial is to “perpetuate the memory of Hopkins County veterans who have served their country with honor: that their dedication, deeds and sacrifice be a constant source of motivation toward great accomplishment and patriotism.” Veterans who served

addition to many cuttings, livestock shows, livestock sales, circuses, corporate seating to up to 5,000 seats. This facility has three concession stands and one show office. THE EQUINE PAVILION Our larger arena, built in 2009, hosts various horse shows, ropings, dog shows, and other community events. This covered arena features three large fans to keep the arena cool in the summer, as well as an in-house sound system, announcer box, and Priefert roping chutes. This facility is adjacent to our 38 RV sites with power for 50 amp, 30amp and 110v stations with water and a sewer station on property. THE EXHIBIT HALL Remodeled in 2013, our 7,500 square feet of meeting and banquet space is one of the most luxurious in the area. With moveable walls, the hall can be configured to accommodate groups of up to 750 guests. With state-of-the-art-in-house sound, built-in projectors and screens, 30’x30’ portable dance floor, and

all the tables and chairs you might need, this space is one of the most versatile anywhere. Featuring a concession stand, food prep kitchen, refreshment area, and adjacent board room, this facility can support your wedding reception, Quinceanera, banquet, corporate meeting, trade show, or any other event! The Auditorium: remodeled in 2016, this 1,250-seat facility is a site to behold. With a state-of-the-art sound system, projections system, and comfortable seating area, this space can accommodate your group! A separate men’s and women’s dressing room facility sits alongside the 48’x90’ stage, complete with new curtains and riggings. SULPHUR SPRINGS MUNICIPAL AIRPORT The Texas Airport System consists of nearly 300 airports and not only provides the State with a safe and efficient mode of transportation, it is a vital stimulus for economic growth and development. The statewide system provides aviation-related services that support

tens of thousands of jobs and produces billions of dollars in economic activity. The State’s largest employers, and many smaller businesses, rely on aviation to rapidly transport their personnel, equipment, and supplies. Texas airports serve as the bases of operation for a diverse group of businesses, including airlines, air cargo companies, fixed base operators, flight schools, maintenance facilities, government entities, agricultural applicators, restaurants, and many others. Texas’ vast tourism industry is also supported by both commercial aviation services and general aviation. The millions of visitors who flock to Texas each year support a variety of tourist-related business activities, such as lodging, dining, retail, and entertainment. In addition to significant economic benefits, the Texas Airport System provides numerous essential services that enhance the quality of life, health, safety, and welfare of citizens. Examples include business development,

enhancing agricultural production, medical patient transport and evacuation, access to remote areas, law enforcement, fire protections, wildlife management, and recreations. Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport, owned and operated by the City of Sulphur Springs, is designated as a public use general aviation airport. The airport occupies approximately 400 acres of land and operates Runway 01/19, a 5,000-foot concrete runway 75 feet in width. Additional improvements include hangars, a pilotcontrolled runway lighting system, Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs), and two GPS WAASenabled instrument landing approaches. The Airport is home to the flight department of several local businesses. American Legend Aircraft, one of the largest manufacturers of Light Sport Aircraft in the United States, and over 70 aircraft that are used for both business and recreational purposes.

Information provided by the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce

Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image

We are so thankful and proud to call Sulphur Springs our “home.”

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Sulphur Springs

Then & Now By John A. Sellers, Local Historian and Mayor In 1849, Dr Owen S. Davis bought 80 acres of the M. A. Bowlin Survey in Hopkins County. This historic parcel of land would become downtown Sulphur Springs and the surrounding streets. Dr Davis built his home on the west side of future North Davis Street between the present day Vansickle and Houston Streets. He divided his land into lots, including an area for the public square and business lots surrounding the square. The square was originally larger, but Dr. Davis decided to close in east side of the square for more building lots, so the square area was too small to accommodate a Courthouse in the center. Originally the county seat of Hopkins County was four miles further north, at a community called Tarrant. When the growing town of Sulphur Springs applied for a post office in 1854, there was an existing post office with the name of Sulphur Springs, so they had to

choose an alternative name. Someone came up with the name of Bright Star. The post office was so named, but the community and townspeople always referred the community as Sulphur Springs. Historic documents, letters and written references affirm this historic fact. Sulphur Springs became the county seat in 1870, and the town’s post office was permanently changed to Sulphur Springs in 1871. The town prospered in the late 1800’s and had a slow and steady growth. Cotton was the primary agricultural industry. There were some attempts to market Sulphur Springs as a health resort. Kate Effnor, a journalist visited Sulphur Springs, in 1881 and recorded her visit with the following account of the springs and the Spring Lot. “The springs from which the town takes its name, naturally forms its more interesting feature, both from their beautiful situation and the inexhaustible

supply of water they constantly furnish. The largest spring is enclosed, making a sort of park. Traversing this park, from southeast to northwest, was once a clear stream that swarmed with fish, the fountain head of this steam, were the springs, but the constant demand from this source has reduced this to a small serpentine course, that becomes almost dry in summer. Large forest trees fill the enclosure, there is no attempt at cultivation yet, but is picturesque in this state. When the necessities of the people have grown to the need of this delightful resort, it will doubtless become formed into an ideal pleasure ground.” Unfortunately progress and time have covered or reduced our springs. Hopefully someday we can reconstruct or uncover one of these springs and bring it back as a pleasant tourist stop.

Photography provided by Dakota Diener, Split Image

First Presbyterian Church

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First Baptist Church

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What Buyers have been discovering about Hopkins County ....a hot spot for quaint, small-town living loaded with fun activities & events for gathering with neighbors. ...known for friendly waves and black-topped country roads that reminds of by-gone days. ...a place with a modern and hopping atmosphere & down-home community vibe.

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*Growth in All The Right Ways -- Locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, ice cream & coffee shops, & more along with the smattering of chain shops & restaurants, gives locals a variety of places

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