November/December 2020 VOL. 3, ISSUE 6
Christmas City of Stars in the
LEGENDARY LIGHTS • MINGLE & JINGLE • TREMENDOUS TREES!
WHERE your family BECOMES our family!
Arbor Grace of Kilgore Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center announces completion of a 20,000 square foot expansion and major remodel of the existing facility. The new construction added 30 private rooms with private bath, a 2500 square foot rehabilitation space, and a new modern spacious dining area offering restaurant style dining. The current facility, originally built in 1964, has undergone a facelift and modernization. The planned expansion increased Arbor Grace's bed capacity to 127 beds making Arbor Grace of Kilgore the largest skilled nursing facility located in Kilgore.
Skilled Nursing Facility & Rehabilitation 2700 S. Henderson Blvd. | Kilgore, Texas 75662 | 903-984-3511
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Kilgore's magical downtown lights lure people of all ages for the holidays.
November/December 2020
5 Christmas in Kilgore 10 Rangerettes Christmas Extravaganza 14 O, Christmas Tree 18 Smitty's; where else?
On the Cover:
The Crim Theatre, as pictured during the 2019 holiday season, as well as some very special 'ornaments': the downtown derricks, Santa Claus with a friend; and a nine-footer at Danville Farms. ALL PHOTOS FROM THE KILGORE NEWS HERALD
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ETc MAGAZINE
November/December 2020 Hours Tues - Fri. Noon - 5 p.m. • 405 N. Kilgore St., Suite 7
903-984-1097
Publisher
Alexander Gould agould@mrobertsmedia.com
Editor
Mitch Lucas
mlucas@kilgorenewsherald.com
Advertising Sales
Linda Ballard
lballard@kilgorenewsherald.com
Donna Shupe
Let us help make your occasion special!
Graphic Designers
Ted Townsend & Haley Holcomb
For that gift theyy will
Never forget
dshupe@kilgorenewsherald.com
All contents of the magazine are copyright © M. Roberts Media, LLC. No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner without prior written consent of the publisher. The publisher and editors are not responsible for any changes in event dates after the deadline. Etcetera is published by M. Roberts Media.
All Sales Final
DECEMBER MINI & SPRING 2021 REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY
Phone 903-984-2593
REGISTER TODAY!
DECEMBER MINI BEGINS DEC. 14 SPRING SEMESTER BEGINS JAN. 19 KILGORE.EDU
(903) 983-8209
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Christmas
THERE'S NOTHING LIKE
IN KILGORE
Downtown galas produce fantastic atmosphere
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY
Words MITCH LUCAS
mlucas@kilgorenewsherald.com
College students coming home for the holidays, a retired couple getting out of the house for the first time in months after the coronavirus, a mom shopping for last-minute gifts, schoolchildren seeing downtown for the first “real” time in the holiday season, or maybe someone who just loves the atmosphere – all of these people, and more, will be downtown for weeks to come, because Christmas is just more special in Kilgore. “A Very Derrick Christmas” is here, as the City of Stars builds its downtown events around the annual lighting of the derricks, the shopping soiree known as Mingle & Jingle, and, of course, the annual Christmas parade, now in its 90th year. The holiday event of November – as in, THE holiday event of November – is the
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Top: If you’ve never made a photo downtown during the Christmas season, with the derricks in the background as an awfully-special photo-bomber, you may be in small company: visiting the festive area during the holiday season is something many from Kilgore make a point to do every single year. Above: Ben Bertsche and Gracie Armstrong give Ben's young nephew, Levi Leissner, a better view of the derricks on the World's Richest Acre during last year’s Mingle & Jingle event.
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Left: Kilgore’s downtown during the Christmas holidays is a picture no artist could paint – although many have tried. It’s a busy place the next few weeks, with “A Very Derrick Christmas” derrick lighting Nov. 14, the Mingle & Jingle shopping event, and the 90th annual Christmas parade, “Christmas in the Oil Patch” this year. Below left, it’s hard to argue what the biggest attraction is for the annual Mingle & Jingle event: the visiting time, the shopping, or the food. Mingle & Jingle is in its 14th year, having been established in 2007. Below right, Santa Claus stopped to visit a friend, and our cameras were lucky enough to catch it!
HOLIDAYS Continued from Page 5 derrick lighting, and it’s Saturday, November 14, starting at 3 p.m. The stores downtown will welcome guests and, as usual, there will be live music and entertainment, performances by the Kilgore College Rangerettes and the Kilgore High School Hi-Steppers, the Kris Kringle Market, and naturally, the lighting of the derricks – the flipping of the “big switch” – as the centerpiece of the evening. It’ll wrap up around 8 p.m. The Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation host this event, which kicks off the city’s Christmas season – Kilgore is picturesque during the holidays like few other cities, almost a life-sized snow globe. “We’re so excited,” Kilgore Chamber President and CEO Jill McCartney told the News Herald. “Christmas in Kilgore is so special, and coming downtown for the derrick lighting is the best way to get the season under way.” The derrick lighting event, Mingle & Jingle and the Christmas parade will all be COVID-19-proofed: some changes, while not intrusive whatsoever, are necessary.
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“We won’t set up chairs this year for the performances,” McCartney said. “We’re asking people to bring their own chairs if they feel the need to, and to sit with their own families or groups.” Special guest Santa Claus will be on a sleigh, or a wagon, and kids won’t sit on his lap, but will be able to get onto the wagon. Also being planned is this year’s Mingle & Jingle, a shopping spectacular and dining soiree, is still a couple of weeks away. It’s set for November 28, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the biggest shopping weekend of the year on a national level for decades. Ever since the very first Mingle & Jingle event in 2007, this has been a major event on Kilgore’s calendar, and organizers say it will be once again. Kilgore Main Street and the downtown merchants association are spearheading these events as well, and Mingle & Jingle is just what its name alludes to: come out, likely wearing masks this year, and enjoy all kinds of food, drinks, maybe shopping deals, and visit with friends with the Christmas lights as the ultimate beautiful backdrop.
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Christmas
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Candlelight & Carols, Dec. 24th, 2020 - 6:00 p.m. Worship Services -Sunday: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 5:00 p.m. Sunday Night Bible Study Wednesday - 5:00 p.m. Family Dinner - 6:00 p.m. Bible Study
15746 CR 173 North , Kilgore (off the loop - Danville Rd) | 903-984-2117
Blue Santa brought in the heavy artillery from the Kilgore Police Department in last year’s Kilgore Christmas parade, spreading holiday cheer from the top of an armored vehicle.
HOLIDAYS Continued from Page 6 The annual Christmas parade, this year with the theme of “Christmas in the Oil Patch,” will be Tuesday night, December 1, at 6:30 p.m. It may be a rarity: several area communities and cities, including Longview, have canceled their own parades. But the plans are a go here in Kilgore. The Christmas parade is by far the biggest parade of the year on the city’s calendar, and always has hundreds of entrants, vendors and award-winning floats. Last year was one of the biggest parades ever. Rusk County Electric Cooperative took home the secondplace award for Best Use of Theme by a business, as well as the first place award for Best Overall float and first place for Best Decorated in the business category. Friends of the Kilgore Public Library won the first- place award in the group category for Best Use of Theme for their take on the “12 Days of Christmas” and the thirdplace award for Best Decorated float in the group category. Greater Faith Ministries won the first-place award for Best Decorated float with Pastor Casandra Fryar accepting the award. Third place for Best Decorated business went to DeGraffenried Dentistry, which also won the first-place award for Best Use of Theme in the business category. Kilgore High School Peer Advocates for Special Students won awards for the first time, taking second place for Best Use of Theme, as well as the second-place award for Best Decorated Group. Their float was a KISD school bus decorated with a tropical “12 Days of Christmas” theme. Five Starz Magic Detail won the second-place award for
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Best Decorated business float. St. Luke’s United Methodist Church won the third-place award for Best Use of Theme, and D&D Industrial Welding Supply won the third place award for Best Use of Theme in the business category. Anyone who’d like to sign up to get in on the fun by being an entrant should call (903) 984-5022, or e-mail lmorgan@kilgorechamber.com.
The 2019 parade crowd waves at a float built by Kilgore Public Library staff and Friends of the Kilgore Public Library. The float, decorated with a “12 Days of Christmas” theme, went on to win the first place award in the group category for Best Use of Theme for their take on the “12 Days of Christmas” and the third place award for Best Decorated float in the group category.
www.everythingthatblings.com
Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin (left) shares a moment with Evelyn and Lloyd Bolding, just before the couple threw the ceremonial switch during the annual light of the derricks downtown last year.
“Christmas in Kilgore is so special, and coming downtown for the derrick lighting is the best way to get the season under way.”
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e m i T s a m t s i Chr
The Kilgore College Rangerettes will have their annual Christmas extravaganza on Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13, three shows during that weekend, at LeTourneau University’s Belcher Center. It’s the 10th annual event, and Rangerettes Director Dana Blair says her team is ready and excited to perform after having to cancel some events earlier this year due to coronavirus.
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Rangerettes' 10th annual spectacular Dec. 12-13 Words MITCH LUCAS
mlucas@kilgorenewsherald.com
This year’s Kilgore College Rangerettes Christmas spectacular might feature the most enthusiastic, frenetic performances in the history of the decade-old event. Why? Because the Rangerettes are excited – excited to perform after having to have a lot of their year, including the spring show Rangerette Revels, have to be canceled due to coronavirus. “They’re excited to get to perform and dance in any capacity,” said director Dana Blair. “They’ve experienced what it’s like to have that taken away, and I think they appreciate every opportunity to perform more than ever before.” This year’s Christmas show will be Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, but it won’t be at Dodson Auditorium on the main Kilgore campus – it’ll be at the Belcher Center on the LeTourneau University campus, in Longview. And there’s a very good reason why. “We hate we cannot have it in Kilgore, but the capacity is so small, we felt we should move it to a venue so more people can come,” Blair said. “We’re still going to have our regular performers, dance studios like In-Step Dance Company, Elite, and off course the (Kilgore High School) Hi-Steppers. Since we’re performing in Longview, we’ve also asked the Longview High School Viewettes to be a part of the show.” For those who haven’t been, should you decide to go, you’re in for a treat, filled with Christmas music and obviously dance performances from not only the guests, but the Rangerettes, who have literally performed around the world on more stages than most can even name. The show is described as a Broadway-style show, and as usual, they’re doing it three times: a prime-time performance that Saturday evening, December 12, at 7 p.m., and then a matinee performance on Sunday, December 13, at 2 p.m., and another following at 6.
Tickets may be purchased through the Belcher Center, even now, at the cost of $20 each. “We hope no one sees this as a negative thing, like, ‘Oh, they took it out of Kilgore,’” said Blair. “We’re still encouraging our traveling parents and guests to eat and stay in Kilgore, as they normally would, and certainly we are proud to be able to perform, period, after this year.” Blair joked that she has Christmas songs playing in her head. “And it’s not because I’ve been personally listening to Christmas music,” she laughed. “We started learning our Christmas dances in early October. We don’t usually start that early. We’re also working on Revels, and that’s earlier this year, too.” The Rangerette Revels this year will be March 11-13, and March 18-20. Shows will be Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. nightly, but also with a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. All seats are reserved and tickets are $25 each. It’s early now for the public to concentrate too much on Revels, particularly with the Christmas program and Christmas season in general approaching. But online sales for Revels will open for the general public in February. More on Revels here in the News Herald as that draws near. For now, it’s full speed ahead to December 12-13 at the Belcher Center, for the 10th year of the Rangerettes’ Christmas blowout. “We’re super excited,” Blair said. “The girls really were sad when we first told them we wouldn’t be doing it at Dodson, because it’s where they wanted to be, their home. And we’ll probably be there next year. But we’re also excited, they are excited, to be able to (perform in) a larger venue, and allow more people to enjoy these performances.”
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315 E Lantrip • Kilgore, Tx | 903.984.2024 Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 12
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Kilgore Main Street Presents
A VERY DERRICK
Christmas
SATURDAY, NOV. 14
3 PM TO 8 PM
DERRICK LIGHTING CEREMONY | 7 PM Please follow safety protocols and practice social distancing.
DISCOVER
Christmas
IN THE OIL PATCH with Live Music and Entertainment, visits with Santa and more, all under the glow of the Derrick Stars.
Featuring Kilgore Area Chamber of Commerce
Kris Kringle MARKET
www.KilgoreMainStreet.com/ChristmasUnderTheStars
Danville Farms at 2000 Danville Road, has been providing families throughout the Kilgore area with Christmas trees for years. Danville Farms was established in 1982 and began selling trees in 1986.
O, CHRISTMAS TREE Danville Farms has been making Kilgore homes brighter for over three decades Words LUCAS STROUGH
lstrough@kilgorenewsherald.com
Most would agree that 2020 has been a year of ups and downs but, as we move into the holiday season, many locals are finding comfort in the familiar traditions which accompany this time of year. Comfort goes hand in hand with Danville Farms. One of the most popular local Christmas traditions is hunting for the perfect tree at Danville Farms at 2000 Danville Road. "We're doing something a little differently this year," said Mary Robinson, who founded the tree farm with her husband James.
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"We are going to open the day before Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and that's in an effort for us to have not so many people on Friday, because that's usually a crazy day for us. We're trying to figure out how to do social distancing outside. We're trying to figure out the best way we can to keep everyone safe." The farm (a family tradition for the owners as well as customers) grows hundreds of trees and sells them alongside accessories, including handmade wreaths, floor protectors, Christmas ornaments, t-shirts, tree food to extend the life of the tree and even watering funnels to keep a tree hydrated without bending over. "Our regular hours will be Friday and Saturday from
It feels a little more like Christmas when you go get a tree from the folks at Danville Farms. They’ll sell trees until they have no more in stock.
9 to 5:30 and Sunday afternoon we'll open from 1 to 5:30 p.m.," Robinson said. "There will be no other days during the week until the next Friday. We're open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.” The farm grows hundreds of Virginia pine and Fraser fir trees at various sizes and prices so customers can find the ideal tree for their holiday needs. Danville Farms was established in 1982 and began selling trees in 1986. The farm opened for business from humble beginnings, with a single table set up beneath a 50-
foot pine tree and a measuring stick on the ground for measuring trees for sale. Now, the farm has come a long way, with a playground, hot food and drinks, debit card readers and electricity. Danville Farms will sell trees this year, as it does each year, until there are no more to sell. In previous years, up to one-third of all available trees were sold on the first day of business so make sure to arrive early for the best selection. For more information, call (903) 520-8929 or (903) 649-3971.
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SMITTY’S FIREARMS
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Christmas IN THE OIL PATCH
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Christmas Parade begins at 6:30pm.
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GUNS & AMMO
OH, HENRY . . .
WHERE ART THOU? Smitty's; where else? Words LINDA K. BALLARD The firearms business is a very competitive market especially with today’s business economy. Brick and mortar stores are competing not only with big box stores, the internet, kitchen dealers and private sales, according to Marion “Smitty” Smith, owner of Smitty’s FireArms. Currently in their 27th year as gun shop owners, Smitty and his wife Jena have found customer focus and satisfaction the winning combination that keeps them in business. Smitty and Jena are both native Kilgoreites, a fact that is very important to them. Smitty grew up in Kilgore, where he graduated from Kilgore High School and attended Kilgore College. Jena’s family moved to other towns in the vicinity and eventually moved back to Kilgore during her growing-up years. After marriage, they moved to the coast for a better job. It was there “Smitty” obtained his nickname. The couple opened the first gun shop in Santa Fe in 1993 and moved back to Kilgore in 2000, where he opened a gun
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shop at his residence. In 2014, the shop was opened at its present location on south U. S. Highway 259. Smitty said, “We have had a lot of dedicated customers over the years and we appreciate every one of them. “ Jena said, “He treats customers with utmost respect. He’s honest and trustworthy. I think that is one reason we have such good business because of his attitude. They know him and know he will treat them right.” Smitty admits to doing a lot of things “pro-bono” and believes in giving back to his customers and to his friends. “It’s hard being in business and pleasing the public,” said Smitty. “It has definitely had its up and downs.” On July 18, 2018, Smitty’s FireArms was burglarized. Thieves used a stolen vehicle to hook on to an iron-barred door and jerk it completely off the hinges. They took with them a total of 34 guns. Jena worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & FireArms for days to provide a full inventory of the stolen firearms. “What bothers me the most is to date
Left, just a cross section of the selection of guns at Smitty’s FireArms, in business here since 2014, but with owners Marion and Jena Smith, who have been in the business almost three decades. Above, Smitty’s FireArms location on Highway 259 in Kilgore, a Gold Dealer for Henry rifles. Most collectors take pride in having at least one Henry in their collection. Smitty’s is one of only 100 dealers in the United States carry the Gold Dealer title. Right, he owners of Smitty’s FireArms, Jena and Marion “Smitty” Smith, looking festive in his Santa Claus hat. there has been only one of the guns recovered, “said Smitty. “That gun was used with a shoot-out with a Mexican drug cartel. As far as we know, the case is still on-going and is in the lap of the Rusk County District Attorney.” One arrest has also been made linked to an identified handprints on the hood of the stolen truck used to pull off the door. This year has been particularly busy for firearm dealers. “Let’s shift gears to today’s business climate in the gun industry,” Smitty said. “Let’s lay blame on COVID-19. Manufacturing has been shut down and production of gun parts and ammunition components has slowed to a crawl. Ammunition, especially for pistols, is almost impossible to find and rifle ammo seems to be following suit. “According to those in the industry, the blame lies in the production of primers. A primer is the ignition component of a cartridge. Until primer production increases, all ammo will be in short supply. Although my ammo stocks are fairly depleted, I still try to provide ammo for any
firearm purchased from my shop. I have been purchasing ammunition from independent suppliers as well as customers.” Smitty’s FireArms is a Gold Dealer for Henry rifles. Most men take pride in owning at least one Henry in a lifetime. The guns are “Made in America or not at all” is their slogan and each rifle carries the Made in America inscription on the barrel. Only the top 100 dealers in the United States carry the Gold Dealer title. Those identified as a Gold Dealer normally have a large selection on hand. “Even though we are a Gold Dealer, we can’t get the Henry rifles right now because production has cut because of a reduced work force and an inability to manufacture guns, rifles and firearms,” said Smitty. “We do carry a full line of reloading supplies for those who reload their own casings; however, primers are once again causing a slow sale of reloading supplies. “To date, gun sales have eclipsed all previous years and continue to climb. Since the inception of the COVID-19
virus, firearms sales and concealed carry classes have sky-rocketed. More people have taken concealed carry classes than ever before.” Smitty doesn’t give the classes but recommends several others in the area where his customers can obtain their carry license. When first opening his gun shop, he thought he could do retail, gunsmithing and repairs and claims it “almost killed him” to keep up. “As a consequence,” he said, “I decided to concentrate on the retail side of the gun business and strive to be the best little gun shop in Texas.” “The other side of my business, my wife handles all the office, clerical and accounting and keeps me where I can sell. She is what helps make our business successful and I couldn’t do it without her. As in any business there are ups and downs and many obstacles to overcome. I love the challenge and want to provide the best services and products possible.” Smitty’s FireArms is located at 2701 S. Henderson Boulevard, Suite B, in Kilgore.
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PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #8 KILGORE, TX Kilgore News Herald P.O. Box 1210 Kilgore, TX 75663
East Texas' #1 Golf Course & Texas’ #2 Golf Course! Open to the public seven days a week
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