What’s Happening in Cherokee County

The Cherokeean Herald welcomes announcements for publication in our weekly edition. Please submit calendar information by noon Friday for publication in the following Wednesday’s edition of our paper. Send information to [email protected].

THROUGH AUG. 12

Jacksonville Healthcare Center will host a Stuff the Bus fundraiser through Thursday, Aug. 12, at 305 Bonita St., accepting donated school supplies to benefit local students.

THROUGH AUG. 30

The Rusk Chamber of Commerce is hosting a design contest through Monday, Aug. 30, that focuses on a new logo for the 2021 Christmas Hometown Experience that will be used to promote the event. The win-ner receives a $250 gift basket and a T-shirt bearing their design. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30,

AUG. 12

Alto Health for All, noon, 316 Smith St.

A farewell reception for outgoing City Manager Greg Smith will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at Jacksonville City Hall, 315 S. Ragsdale St.

AUG. 13

A seventh grade Back to School shot clinic, conducted by Cherokee County Public Health Department, will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at Jacksonville Middle School. Vaccines are provided through the Texas Vaccines for Children program. A $10 copay per vaccine will be assessed to those who do not meet eligibility. COVID-19 vaccines also will be available for those over ages 12, at no charge to recipients.

AUG. 14

Mission Tejas State Park. Guided hike, Struggling Towards Harmony. Explore how forests fight to grow and regenerate over time. From 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14. Park entrance fees apply. Mission Tejas is located west of Alto, on Texas Highway 21. To learn more, call 936-687-2394.

AUG. 15

D&R Welding Shop will host free haircuts/hair trimming for youths ages 6-13, Sunday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 804 W. Rusk St. in Jacksonville. Hot dogs and drinks also will be provided.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, across from Palestine High School at 1515 S. Loop 256, celebrates the 12th Sunday of Pentecost, Aug. 15, with Sunday School starting at 9 a.m., followed by Divine Service of Ho-ly Communion at 10:15 a.m.

Free backpacks will be distributed by Booker T. Washington Alumni & Ex Students Association 16023 U.S. Highway 69 in Alto, from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15. The event is hosted by Love Outreach ministry.

AUG. 16

The Jacksonville Public Library will offer a free showing of the Disney Flick “Inside Out,” 2 p.m. Mon-day, Aug. 16, at the library, 526 E. Commerce St.

AUG. 17

The City of Jacksonville will host a reception to welcome incoming City Manager James Hubbard, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Jacksonville City Hall, 315 S. Ragsdale St.

AUG. 19

Theresa Hackney will have a book signing for her book “From Sin to Salvation” at the Rusk Public Li-brary from 11 am – 1 pm in the community room.

AUG. 21

Mission Tejas State Park. Tejas Tracks, Dirt Detectives. Come see how the critters leave a strong impres-sion with this intro to tracking, offered from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Park entrance fees apply. Mission Tejas is located west of Alto, on Texas Highway 21. To learn more, call 936-687-2394.

AUG. 22

A fellowship potluck luncheon will follow the Aug. 22 Sunday service at Falvey Methodist Church in Alto.

AUG. 27-28

Sacred Heart Mission Church of Rusk will host a two-day indoor flea market, Aug. 27-28. A variety of household and yard items will be available; however, no shoes or clothing, organizers said. The sale will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Volunteers are needed to help set up the event, while donations may be left at the church hall at any time throughout the week.

AUG. 28

The Wells FFA Booster Club will host a bow shoot, 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28.

AUG. 28

Mission Tejas State Park. Edible and Medicinal Plant Hike. Nature always provides if you know what to look for. 9:30 to 11 a.m. Park entrance fees apply. Mission Tejas is located west of Alto, on Texas Highway 21. To learn more, call 936-687-2394.

SEPT. 9

Story Time for children ages 18 months to 4 years, will be held weekly on Thursdays at the Jacksonville Public Library, 526 E. Commerce St. The weekly event is from 10:30 to 11 a.m.; adults must company a child; library card not required. To learn more, contact 903-586-7664.

SEPT. 10-11

The eighth annual Bull Nettle Festival is slated for Sept. 10-11, at the Texas Cactus Speedway, 1595 CR 3701 in Bullard. A barn dance with Jr. Kirby and Smith County Line kicks off events, from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, with the festival starting up at 9 a.m. Saturday, featuring contests, vendors, games, a junk car race, the Bull Nettle Queen’s contest and a 7 p.m. dance with Rex Buell & the Bullnettlers. More information at www.bullnettlefestival.com.

SEPT. 11

The Cherokee Craft & Trade Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 11, at 707 College Ave. in Jacksonville.

SEPT. 18

The 2021 Texas Veterans Military Show, honoring America’s veterans, will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at 655 S. Doctor M. Roper Parkway (US Highway 69) in Bullard. The event kicks off with a military convoy from Tyler to Bullard led by the Patriot Guard Riders, along with a variety of military vehicles, the Texas Wall, a classic car/truck show, a flyover, parade and music by Mouse and the Traps. To register, contact Mike Balfay, 903-894-1041, or email [email protected].

SEPT. 25

Stella Hill Memorial Library in Alto will have a quilt show from 9 a.m.- noon. The library is at 20 W. San Antonio Street (Hwy 21). 936-858-4343

OCT. 2

Piney Woods Market Days launches Saturday, Oct. 2, at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St. The free event is slated from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

OCT. 9

The Cherokee Craft & Trade Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 9, at 707 College Ave. in Jacksonville.

OCT. 25

Trunk or Treat, held in downtown Jacksonville, kicks off at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25.

NOV. 6

The community of Earle’s Chapel will host its first Founder's Day festival, Saturday, Nov. 6. The festival will feature barbecue, a barrel train, carnival games, a petting zoo and an appearance by the Earle's Chapel VFD fire truck.

NOV. 13

The Cherokee Craft & Trade Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13, at 707 College Ave. in Jacksonville.

Holidaze 2021 fashion show & auction, benefiting the Good Samaritan Food Pantry of Rusk, will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Rusk Civic Center, 555 Euclid St.

DEC. 2

The Jacksonville Christmas parade begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 2.

DEC. 11

The Cherokee Craft & Trade Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 11, at 707 College Ave. in Jacksonville.