An early, happy celebration was had by all

Shepherd had a very busy and happy Independence Day on June 29. Yes, it was hot, but it didn’t rain.

The Hot Steppers did a fabulous demonstration for everyone. She was so thrilled, one very small young girl hugged one dancer’s leg till she was rescued by her sister.

The day started with the American Legion Post 629 and the Flag Ceremony for the heroes who did not return from war, conducted by Larry Lowe. Judge Travis Kitchens led with the Pledge and Brenda Myers gave the invocation. Gregg Cones sang “God Bless America” and Joe LeBlanc announced Mayor Charles Minton and myself to welcome everyone to our event.

The city of Shepherd had worked hard to have the park and center outside looking really smart and vendors and food vendors filled the outside under the Pavilion roof.

We had some vendors who were new to us. I personally had never heard of Freeze-Dried Candy, and being diabetic was not thinking of trying it. However, freeze-dried veggies and fruit made me rethink buying some and I am happy I did. There is also freeze-dried sugar free candy and I am trying out some of that too.

The handmade leather goods were wonderful as were the jewelry vendors and all the food which was very popular. Thank you, The Impact Center and Brenda Myers. The kids’ games were very popular, and Brenda introduced some of the girls who were responsible for the “Don’t Mess With Me, I’ll Tell” bracelets.

They have developed a project on behalf of those who have been sexually abused and apart from telling their stories, they are using these bracelets to promote their work in defeating this threat to keep the crime a secret through threats to the victims. Afterward, DJ Joe played line dance music for the crowd who all seemed to know the steps.

Thank you, Shepherd Chamber Board members, for your help in making the day a success and thank you Eddie Charles for cleaning the Center after we finished for the day.

•Did You Know? is online as well as in print. So is the whole newspaper now and you can even find back issues available at San Jacinto News-Times. It includes phone numbers for elected officials, menus for both Senior Citizen Centers and lots of other useful information as well as the community news.

Kris Eastham, who is the County Liaison Officer for SJC Texas Division of Emergency Management, told me that there is an extension on the date for those public buildings which were damaged in the floods. The deadline now is Aug. 9. Residents with damage to homes and businesses need not worry, there is no deadline for you at this time. If you want to know more call Kris at (936) 2252-0193. The office is in the Innovation Center in Coldspring.

•Coldspring Chamber of Commerce has some new Board members. Several members resigned recently and new Board members replacing them are Jon Burns, LaNora Purvis and Mark Mears. Dianne Griffiths is named City Chair since she is the Coldspring Mayor Pro Tem, and Savanah Steffy is named School Chair for COCISD.

Shepherd Chamber of Commerce also has some new Board members. Faith Hartman and LaNora Purvis were voted in last month. LaNora opened the Brewtique in Shepherd and is the Founder of Heaven’s Army.

•Shepherd Library finished its summer program on Friday last week. Adventure in the Library saw the children getting into a hot air balloon and emerging into a time of adventure as shown in legendary stories featuring pirates, “The Wizard of Oz,” how to conquer fear and much more with games and stories, snacks and fun.

•Next up in July? Celebrate the Fourth and look for Christmas in July in Coldspring.

Contact the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce at (210) 995-7420 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184.

Yvonne Cones is president of the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.