THE LAKE TEXOMA EDIT
The Summer Escape
July in Texoma means lake days, fireworks, road trips, patriotic celebrations, and finding every excuse possible to stay outside just a little longer. In this month’s Summer Explore Issue, we’re embracing everything that makes summertime in Texoma unforgettable while celebrating a milestone year for America, 250 years of freedom, patriotism, and community spirit.
We head straight to Lake Texoma, where summer in Texoma truly comes alive. From boat rentals and waterfront dining to weekend stays and what to wear for a day on the water, this feature has everything you need to plan the perfect lake escape.
For readers craving adventure beyond the shoreline, we explore Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, one of Texas’ newest outdoor destinations. With scenic hiking trails, rugged beauty, and wide open skies, it’s the perfect reminder that some of the best summer escapes are found right here in our own backyard.
Of course, July would not be complete without celebrating the Fourth of July. Across Texoma, communities are coming together to honor America’s 250th birthday with parades, fireworks, festivals, live music, and hometown traditions that remind us why small town celebrations are truly something special. From lakeside fireworks shows to community gatherings throughout Denison, Sherman, and beyond, there are countless ways to celebrate red, white, and blue all month long.
Summer has a way of creating the memories we hold onto the longest. The spontaneous road trips, sunsets on the water, fireworks lighting up the sky, and weekends spent with family and friends all become part of the story.
Here’s to celebrating summer, exploring Texoma, and making this July one to remember.
As always, thank you for reading, and we'll see you around town!
BARBARA IRELAND,
PUBLISHER
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Danielle Poche | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Lucas Ridley | Lucas.Ridley@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITER
Jennifer Haveman | Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lucas Ridley, Mike Zapata
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Courtney Mitchell, Lucas Ridley, Mike Zapata
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
PENNY’S RULES FOR A SAFE TEXOMA SUMMER
RED, WHITE & LAKE LIFE
1: Cooper Shackelford - Sherman HS 2: Sean McClure - OSU 3: Brayden Offill - Van Alstyne HS and Grayson College 4: Preston Fink - Sherman HS 5: Dianne Taylor - Whitesboro HS 6: Dylan Whaley - Denison HS 7: Colton Laster - Homeschool
8: Griffin Dyer - Pottsboro HS 9: Parker Harris - Grayson College 10: Paige Phillips - Sherman HS 11: Hope Young - Sherman HS 12: Brooks Newberry - Pottsboro HS 13: Nicole Fuentes - Sherman HS 14: Erik Jimenez - Sherman HS
15: Lucas Ridley and Brittany Cobb at FleaStyle Experience at Lovejoy’s 16: Courtney, Sarah, and Whitney at Sherman Showdown Food Truck Competition 17: Red River Railroad celebrates its Grand Opening 18: Bon Appetit serves Denison Chamber Luncheon 19: Sherman debuts trolley at Imagine the Possibilities Tour 20: Leadership Denison Graduates 21: Child & Family Guidance Center of Texoma’s Starfish Benefit
DENISON CHAMBER
SHERMAN CHAMBER
DENISON CHAMBER
BRAD RHODES
DENISON CHAMBER
business monthly
SHERMAN SHOWDOWN FOOD TRUCK COMPETITION WINNERS
Downtown Sherman Now's Sherman Showdown Food Truck Competition winners included Sophia’s Haitian Cuisine for Most Unique Honorable Mention with its Haitian Empanada, while Snowie Sherman earned the Most Unique award for its Horchata Shaved Ice. Pinkoasis DFW took home Best Sweet for its Mango Croffle, and Sonny O’s Family BBQ won Best Savory with its Brisket Reuben Sandwich. Sterlings BBQ earned both the People’s Choice Award and the Grand Champion title for its Brisket Mac N Cheese Taco!
YOUR SUMMER READING ESCAPE
Fantasy Favorites Transport Readers To Magical Worlds
Fantasy books offer the perfect escape during the summer, whether you have travel plans or are spending the season at home. Through magical kingdoms, epic adventures, mythical creatures, and unforgettable characters, fantasy stories allow readers to step into worlds far beyond everyday life. A single book can transport readers to castles in the clouds, enchanted forests, or distant lands filled with mystery and adventure. Summer is the perfect time to dive into a long fantasy series or finally pick up that book that has been waiting on the shelf. Whether reading by the pool, during a road trip, or relaxing at home, fantasy novels provide a sense of adventure and wonder that feels like a vacation of its own. No passport is required, just a good book and a little imagination.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER HAVEMAN
THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern
THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig
THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA by TJ Klune
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
The 10% Target Mindset
Jen Cohen ON THE PRACTICE OF ASKING FOR WHAT YOU WANT
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
MAKE TEN ATTEMPTS
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
STACK THE DECK
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
DISCIPLINE IS A PRACTICED SKILL, NOT AN INHERITANCE
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
SELF-TALK ONLY WORKS WHEN THE BODY BACKS IT UP
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
NEVER MISS A MONDAY
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
THE LAKE TEXOMA EDIT
ARTICLE BY LUCAS RIDLEY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COURTNEY MITCHELL
There is something about summer at Lake Texoma that feels nostalgic in all the right ways. Long afternoons on the water, slow dinners overlooking the marina, spontaneous weekend escapes, and the kind of moments that turn into traditions year after year. Whether your perfect lake day means boating, relaxing, exploring, or simply unplugging, these destinations offer different ways to experience one of Texoma’s favorite summer escapes.
FREEDOM BOAT CLUB
There is something freeing about lake days that feel effortless, and that is exactly what Freedom Boat Club delivers. Instead of worrying about ownership, storage, maintenance, or trailering, members simply reserve a boat and head out onto Lake Texoma. What makes the experience especially unique is that membership extends far beyond Texoma. Freedom Boat Club members gain reciprocal access to hundreds of locations across North America, Europe, and Australia, making it easy to enjoy boating while traveling or exploring somewhere new. Whether it is an early morning cruise, an afternoon anchored in a quiet cove, or sunset with friends and family, the flexibility allows members to enjoy the lake more often and with less planning. For those wanting to maximize summer without adding another responsibility to their schedule, Freedom Boat Club offers a simple way to spend more time making memories and less time managing logistics. It is boating designed around lifestyle, spontaneity, and enjoying every available lake day.
Texoma@FreedomBoatClub.com
Freedom Boat Club
Eisenhower State Park
“The
best lake days feel effortless.”
TINY HOME RESORTS
For travelers looking to slow down without sacrificing comfort, Tiny Home Resorts offers a different kind of lake getaway. Nestled near Lake Texoma, the property blends the simplicity of tiny living with thoughtful design and modern amenities. Each stay feels intentional, encouraging guests to disconnect from routines and reconnect with the people around them. Mornings begin quietly with coffee outdoors, afternoons invite exploring the lake and surrounding area, and evenings naturally transition into fireside conversations and slower moments. The smaller footprint creates a surprisingly elevated experience focused on quality over quantity. Whether planning a weekend escape, staycation, or gathering with friends, Tiny Home Resorts proves that you do not need a large space to create meaningful experiences. Sometimes the best summer memories happen when life gets just a little smaller.
TinyHomeResorts.com
TANGLEWOOD RESORT
For those who want a full destination experience, Tanglewood Resort continues to be one of Lake Texoma’s most established summer traditions. Overlooking the lake, the resort combines recreation, relaxation, and convenience all in one place. Guests can spend the day golfing, lounging poolside, dining on property, or exploring nearby lake activities before returning for sunset views and a slower evening pace. The property creates an easy weekend escape without needing to over plan. Families, couples, and groups all find something different to enjoy depending on the season and style of travel. With resort amenities and easy access to the water, Tanglewood remains one of those places that feels both familiar and like a getaway at the same time. It is summer made easy with plenty of room to create your own version of a perfect lake weekend.
TanglewoodResort.com
THE POINT RESTAURANT
Some of the best lake memories happen around the table, and The Point Restaurant has become
part of that tradition for many Lake Texoma visitors. Positioned with waterfront views and an atmosphere built around slowing down and staying awhile, it offers a dining experience that feels unmistakably like summer. Whether arriving after a day on the boat or making dinner the main event, guests can enjoy casual meals paired with a setting that encourages lingering conversations and one more round at sunset. The combination of good food, open air energy, and lake views creates the kind of place people return to season after season. It is not about rushing through a meal. It is about extending the day a little longer and enjoying the atmosphere that makes Lake Texoma feel like summer.
EatAtThePoint.com
EISENHOWER STATE PARK
For a more classic outdoor experience, Eisenhower State Park offers some of the best opportunities to enjoy the natural side of Lake Texoma. With hiking trails, picnic areas, campsites, fishing access, and sweeping lake views, the park creates endless ways to spend time outdoors. It is equally suited for a quick afternoon outing or a full weekend adventure. Families can explore the shoreline, enjoy scenic overlooks, or simply spread out and enjoy slower moments together. The balance of accessibility and natural beauty makes it easy to understand why it remains a favorite year after year. For those wanting to trade schedules and screens for fresh air and open space, Eisenhower State Park reminds us that sometimes summer fun can still be refreshingly simple.
(903) 465-1956
Before heading out for your next Lake Texoma adventure, stop by Ray’s Mercantile in Denison for easy summer layers, lake ready outfits, and elevated pieces featured throughout this shoot. Comfortable styles made for long days on the water and wherever summer takes you.
RaysMercantile.shop
“Long afternoons on the water, slow dinners overlooking the marina, spontaneous weekend escapes, and the kind of moments that turn into traditions year after year”.
Tiny Home Resorts
Tanglewood Resort
Close to Home | Far From Ordinary
PALO PINTO MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
Exploring The Beauty Of Texas’ Newest Outdoor Escape
Nestled in the rugged landscape between Fort Worth and Abilene, in Strawn, Texas, visitors will discover a brand-new state park. It is not often that a new Texas state park opens, making this an exciting time for nature and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Although it is a bit of a drive from the Dallas area, visitors will find the trip well worth it. Countless activities and breathtaking sights await throughout the park’s 4,800 acres.
As you make your way toward Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, you will notice the terrain gradually changing. Life seems to slow down as the peaceful surroundings, beautiful rock formations, native plants, wildflowers, creeks, and scenic overlooks come into view. Brand-new amenities welcome visitors, beginning with the park headquarters. The beautiful stone-and-wood structure houses the state park store and interpretive center. Friendly staff members are available to provide park and trail maps and answer questions. Inside, visitors can enjoy stunning photography displays and learn about the park’s
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MIKE ZAPATA
history, wildlife, and natural features through informative exhibits. Clean, modern restroom facilities and a water bottle filling station are also available.
Once inside the park, visitors will discover a wide variety of activities for individuals and families alike. More than 12 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Those wanting to extend their stay will find several camping options, from primitive tent sites to RV campsites with full hookups. Equestrian camping is also available. Guests can enjoy pier and bank fishing, fish-cleaning stations, and kayak rentals. No fishing license is required within the park, and fishing gear can even be borrowed from park headquarters. Spanish explorers gave the area the name “Palo Pinto,” meaning “painted sticks.” While the region is not technically mountainous,
the rolling hills and rugged terrain earned it the name Palo Pinto Mountain Range. Palo Pinto Mountains State Park Superintendent James Adams speaks proudly about the new park.
“We have a great park here,” Adams says. “It was designed with accessibility in mind. We even have all-terrain wheelchairs available to loan for use on some of the non-accessible trails. People who visit are often
surprised by the topography changes here. It starts to look a lot like the Hill Country.”
When asked what else visitors might notice, Adams highlighted several unique features.
“I think people will really notice our dark skies,” he says. “We are currently working on obtaining our Dark Skies certification. You can see the Milky Way here, and it is amazing. Another special feature of our park is that it is a nesting area for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. It is one of the few places in the state where visitors might be able to see one. Even though we are a new park, we are always looking to improve and add new features. I hope to see additional campsites and even cabins in the future.”
Visitors can explore the park at 1915 FM 2372, Strawn, TX 76475, or call 254-210-5684 for reservations.
CELEBRATING
250 YEARS
Fireworks, Festivals, Concerts, and Patriotic Events Bring Texoma Communities Together
ARTICLE BY MIKE ZAPATA
In 2026, the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, and communities across Texoma are joining the semiquincentennial festivities. From fireworks and concerts to family festivals, patriotic celebrations, and a special Air Force flyover, the region is preparing for a star spangled year honoring America’s historic milestone.
Hot Summer Nights In Sherman is part of the America 250 celebration. On July 2nd at 4:00 PM, Lights on the Lake will take place at Pecan Grove West Park, with Collective Soul serving as the headline performer. This allday, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, activities for kids, and an evening fireworks show.
Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas is the place to be this 4th of July. Prime viewing for the fireworks show over Lake Texoma is available from the Lakeside Lawn (free for guests & members). Enjoy live entertainment poolside and in the Tower Whiskey Bar. Resort offers pickleball courts, three outside pools, and ebike rentals.
Denison’s 39th Annual Fourth of July Spectacular Fireworks Celebration will be on Friday, July 4th at Munson Stadium. Live entertainment begins at 7:00PM, with entertainment provided by Shawnda Rains Entertainment. Fireworks will begin at dusk! This free event promises an evening of patriotic fun for the whole family.
1. HOT SUMMER NIGHTS IN SHERMAN
2. TANGLEWOOD RESORT IN POTTSBORO, TEXAS
3. DENISON’S 39TH ANNUAL FOURTH OF JULY SPECTACULAR
4. THE PRESTON TRAIL CHAPTER OF NSDAR
The Preston Trail Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) will celebrate with a free, family-friendly event taking place on July 4th from 9AM - 12PM at the Pottsboro Church of Christ, located at 522 W. FM 120 in Pottsboro. Guests can enjoy games, activities, prizes, and a variety of vendors during the celebration.
5. DURANT, OKLAHOMA, CELEBRATES THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY.
Durant, Oklahoma, celebrates the 250th Anniversary on July 4th with a variety of family friendly activities at the Durant Multi Sports Complex. The event will feature kickball and wiffleball tournaments, bounce houses, yard games, turtle races, and food trucks. Festivities begin at 2:00PM and will conclude with a concert by the Zach Ray Band.
6.RED, WHITE AND BLUE MARKET ON PRESTON STREET
Van Alstyne celebrates July 4th at 9:00AM with a Red, White and Blue Market on Preston Street, followed by a patriotic parade through downtown at 10:00AM. America’s 250th Celebration begins at 4:00PM at Central Social District Park featuring a Boy Scout flag presentation, a special Air Force flyover, and recognition of the 2026 Van Alstyne Hometown Hero. Dustin Perkins Band begins at 5:00PM, followed by fireworks at 9:00PM.
ROAD TRIP TO SUMMER
OKANA RESORT OFFERS WATER, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, AND UNFORGETTABLE FAMILY FUN
ARTICLE BY LUCAS RIDLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY OKANA RESORT
Summer travel does not always have to mean airports, long itineraries, or days spent getting there. Sometimes the best trips are close enough for spontaneity but exciting enough to feel like a true escape. For Texoma and North Texas families looking for a fresh destination this season, OKANA Resort brings a new kind of getaway experience just up the road in Oklahoma City.
Designed as an all in one destination, OKANA blends resort style accommodations with water attractions, entertainment, dining, and activities built for families to enjoy together. The result feels less like a quick overnight and more like a vacation where there is always something new around the corner.
At the center of the experience is water. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor attractions, including OKANA Beach, which officially enters its first full summer season this year. The outdoor experience combines water slides, beach style lounging, and activity areas designed for both excitement and relaxation, creating options for every age and pace.
Beyond the water, OKANA continues expanding the experience with the opening of The Boardwalk, a new entertainment and dining district designed to keep guests exploring long after leaving the pool. Dining concepts include Smokehouse Social,
serving barbecue and interactive sports entertainment, and Curveball Kitchen, offering elevated takes on ballpark inspired favorites. Adults can also enjoy Bullseye, an entertainment concept featuring games and social experiences, while The Spa at OKANA creates a quieter space for massages, facials, and time to recharge.
Summer programming adds another layer to the experience. Throughout the season, guests can enjoy recurring events including Friday night fire shows, rotating Saturday lagoon themes, Salsa Nights, and Pajama Storytime designed for younger visitors. Seasonal celebrations throughout the summer create even more reasons to extend the stay.
For families wanting a summer trip that feels easy, active, and memorable without venturing too far from home, OKANA offers something simple: a destination designed to make the most of summer together.
OKANAResort.com
“OKANA offers something simple: a destination designed to make the most of summer together.”
CreativeIceCubes FOR SUMMER
Stay Cool with Fun Infused Ice Recipes
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summer can be sweltering, but you can beat the heat with these fun and refreshing infused ice recipes. Not only are they a great way to stay cool, but they also add a delightful twist to your favorite beverages.
Coffee Ice Cubes for Iced Coffee
Transform your iced coffee experience by using coffee ice cubes. This simple trick ensures your drink stays strong and flavorful without getting watered down.
Ingredients:
• Freshly brewed coffee
Instructions:
1. Brew Coffee: Make a pot of your favorite coffee.
2. Cool and Freeze: Allow the coffee to cool, then pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
3. Serve: Add the coffee ice cubes to your iced coffee for a rich, undiluted flavor.
Edible Flower Ice
Create stunning and elegant ice cubes using edible flowers. These pretty ice cubes are perfect for special occasions or adding a touch of beauty to everyday drinks.
Ingredients:
• Edible flowers
• Water
Instructions:
1. Prep the Flowers: Rinse the edible flowers thoroughly.
2. Fill the Tray: Place the flowers in an ice cube tray, filling each compartment halfway with water.
3. Freeze Partially: Freeze until the water is just starting to set, then fill the rest of the tray with water to fully submerge the flowers. This helps keep the flowers centered in the cubes.
4. Freeze Completely: Freeze until solid.
5. Serve: Use these beautiful ice cubes in your favorite drinks for a floral touch.
These infused ice recipes are not only practical but also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your summer beverages. Enjoy these refreshing and creative ways to stay cool all season long!
Birdwatching Made Simple
EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.
START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP
If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”
Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.
Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS
Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”
Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”
Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.
KEEP UNWANTED GUESTS AWAY
Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work— birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.
To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders—compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.
Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.
WHY BIRD WATCHING STICKS
Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.
For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.
IT TAKES AN ARMY
The Salvation Army Serves The Texoma Region
On May 16, 2026, at Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas, The Salvation Army hosted its annual It Takes An Army Dinner, bringing together community members and supporters to raise funds for programs serving the Texoma area.
According to Lieutenant Brian Shea, Corps Officer with The Salvation Army, 86 percent of the funds raised through the event remain local, directly supporting individuals and families across Texoma.
“We use this event to enlist the community to better serve the community,” Lieutenant Shea shared. “We want to improve the lives of our Texoma neighbors, strengthen our community, and bring compassion to those in need.”
Lieutenant Shea and his wife, Donna, who also serves as an officer, work to build partnerships with local businesses and community members to expand the organization’s impact and continue the mission The Salvation Army has long been known for.
For the Sheas, that mission is deeply personal.
“We meet needs without discrimination,” said Lieutenant Shea. “Both my wife and I experienced firsthand what it means to receive help through The Salvation Army.
programming centered around mentorship, creativity, and life skills, The Salvation Army provides opportunities that help young people grow into confident and engaged members of their communities. Among the most popular offerings are camps focused on music and the arts.
During the evening, several youth participants shared personal testimonies and thanked The Salvation Army for the opportunities they have received. Some shared that they will travel to Costa Rica this summer, supported in part by funds raised at the dinner, to serve underprivileged children through faith, music, and art.
To learn more or support The Salvation Army Texoma, visit the Sherman office or call 903-868-9602.
We were struggling and needed support and direction. Through recovery, faith, and the programs that were available to us, we found purpose. Today, we use those experiences and leadership skills to help others throughout Texoma.”
One of the organization’s strongest areas of focus is youth development. Through camps and
JULY 4TH
Stars and Stripes Showdown
WILLOW SPRINGS MARINA | 10:00 AM
Celebrate Independence Day lakeside! The Fourth of July event will feature live performances by Van Ulrich, Traci Cupp, and Frank Ryan, creating the perfect soundtrack for a summer day at the lake. Visitors can enjoy live music, custom cars, cruising, and laid-back lake vibes from daytime through sunset. Gather friends and family for a festive holiday! WillowSpringsMarina.com
JULY 4TH
Texoma’s America 250! Fest POTTSBORO CHURCH OF CHRIST | 9:00 AM
Texoma’s America 250! Fest will feature a variety of local vendors, family activities, games, and prizes as part of the community’s Independence Day celebration. Hosted by the Preston Trail Chapter, NSDAR, the free event will include shopping opportunities from local businesses, artisans, authors, and community organizations. Guests can visit vendor booths, enjoy patriotic festivities, and connect with local groups. TXDAR.org/Preston-Trail-Chapter-NSDAR
JULY 7TH
Texoma FC VS Denton Diablos
MUNSON STADIUM, DENISON | 7:00 PM
Texoma FC will host the Denton Diablos, giving local soccer fans a chance to catch exciting summer action close to home. The match is part of the club’s USL League Two season and continues to build excitement around soccer in the Texoma region. Fans can expect a lively atmosphere, competitive play, and a fun night out for families. TexomaFC.com
JULY 9TH
Hot Summer Nights
Featuring The Toadies
KIDD-KEY PARK, SHERMAN | 7:00 PM
Rock fans can look forward to seeing Toadies perform during the Hot Summer Nights concert series in Texoma this July. Known for hits like “Possum Kingdom,” the Texas-based band continues to draw crowds with its energetic live performances, making the concert a highlight of the region’s summer entertainment lineup. ShermanArts.org/Hot-Summer-Nights
JULY 14TH
Fine Arts Summer Camp
SHERMAN HIGH SCHOOL | 9:00 AM
The Fine Arts Summer Camp at Sherman Independent School District will give incoming third through fifth grade students a chance to explore art, music, and drama in a creative and handson environment. The camp encourages students to express themselves and is designed to keep young students engaged and inspired throughout the summer. ShermanISD.net
JULY 24TH
Music on Main
FOREST PARK , DENISON | 7:30 PM
Junior Brown will take the stage July 24 for Music on Main in Downtown Denison as part of the city’s annual free summer concert series. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to shop local vendors, grab dinner from downtown businesses, and enjoy a summer evening of live music. Music on Main continues every Friday night through July 31. DenisonTX.gov/625/Music-on-Main
