Briefs: July 16, 2025

Published 3:34 pm Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Grind and Grain street party: “Cruise night”

Grind & Grain Beverage Company will host its first-ever Cruise Night on July 26, inviting all types of vehicles to line the street out front starting at 4 p.m. The event is free to enter with no vehicle exclusions, and those who pre-register will receive a free drink coupon.

Live music from Disciples of Texas will set the vibe, and attendees will also enjoy free admission to see Southern Impact perform at The Esquire Theater. To register, message the organizers on Facebook or call/text 903-472-9887 or 903-263-0297.

Upcoming workshops for non-profits

Two upcoming workshops in Carthage aim to equip nonprofit leaders with practical tools to grow their organizations and strengthen community impact. Hosted at the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, the first session, “So You Want to Write Grants,” runs July 21–22 and covers the basics of grant writing and research. It’s presented by the University of Texas at Tyler and the East Texas Center for Nonprofits (ETCN.)

On July 23, ETCN returns with its Board Bootcamp, a full day of training designed to help nonprofit boards and leaders improve governance, teamwork, and leadership. Both sessions will be held at 300 W. Panola and offer a rare opportunity for local nonprofits to access expert-led professional development close to home. For details or to register, visit uwsmithcounty.org, call 903-586-4882, or email Pam Anderson at pam@uwtyler.org.

Esquire Players – 24 hour show

The Clock Is Ticking! The Esquire Players are starting a new tradition…..a 24 Hour Show Challenge — and you won’t believe what this incredible team can do in just one day!

Join us for a whirlwind of creativity, chaos, and comedy as our cast and crew come together on Friday, July 18, to discover the script, cast the roles, rehearse, costume, and build the set — all in just 24 hours! Then come see the magic unfold on stage with ONE performance only: Saturday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Esquire Theater in Downtown Carthage.

Tickets just $10 for adults and $5 for students – available at the door! Directed by Sarah Funderburk with Assistant Director Stefanie Delgado, this is theater like you’ve never seen it before. Come cheer on our brave cast and crew and see what they pull off in a single day!

Rally on the Road — Women’s Event

Presented by Bless This Mess Ministry, hosted at Liberty Chapel, Carthage, TX on August 9, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Lunch Provided.

Ladies, join us for a powerful day of testimony, encouragement, laughter, and worship. Come to this FREE event expecting connection, truth, and a fresh word just for you. Let’s gather, grow, and give glory on the road to freedom.

Carthage Youth Football

Carthage Youth Football is looking for couple more players for the upcoming season.

Flag-7 spots(Grade K-1st), Freshmen-7 spots(Grade 2nd&3rd), Juniors-6 spots(Grade 6th)

Any players interested please contact Corey at 903-806-6647 or Clifford at 903-692-3098

Diabetes Support Group

Hosted by the local Texas A&M AgriLife team, this support goal for this group is to provide meaningful support and connection for those experiencing diabetes. The meeting schedule has now been shifted to a quarterly schedule instead of meeting each month.

The group will continue to meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 10:00 at Sammy Brown Library. Upcoming meeting dates include July 9, October 8, December 10, and March 11.

No registration is required. For questions or more information about the Diabetes Community Support Group, contact Clarissa Moon, County Extension Agent for Family & Community Health at (903) 693-0380 or at Clarissa.moon@ag.tamu.edu.

Mission Carthage: School Supply drive-thru

This year, Mission Carthage is set to host their annual school supply drop at Carthage High School on Thursday, August 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.

This event is open to all families with students in Panola County schools entering kindergarten through the twelfth grade. PLEASE NOTE that the day of the giveaway has changed and is no longer on a Saturday due to scheduling conflicts.

Thanks to an awesome partnership with Mission Carthage, CISD, and local sponsors, this vital event works to provide essential supplies to local kids. If you’re interested in donating, visit their Facebook or contact them at 903- 693-4673

Potlatch vendor sign-ups now open

Taking place September 26–27 at the Carthage Civic Center, Potlatch 2025 vendor sign-ups are now open!

This year, we’re offering two full days of business for indoor vendors, adjusted Saturday hours, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Opening Ceremony Saturday at 10:30 a.m., and a Friday Night Car Show.

Food Vendors: we’re introducing a short application process to ensure a great experience for all. Apply online (Food Vendor Form.) Prefer paper? Email us for a printable version. Retail Vendors: (Indoor, Outdoor & Info-Only Booths) complete the retail vendor form online or request a printable form via email.

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Splash Pad now open

The Splash Pad at Davis Park is now open for the warm weather! Bring your kids for hours of fun.

Open from Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. And Sunday from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Davis Park is located at 200 Community Dr, Carthage.