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Hundreds gathered downtown to sample wine and food in the annual April in Paris Wine Fest on Friday.
The event started in the Lamar County Courthouse foyer, where participants were able to enjoy a string quartet while getting their orange arm bands, tasting glasses and swag bags.
Proceeds provide funding for the Paris Main Street Building Improvement Grant, a reimbursement program for property owners who make improvements to buildings in the Paris Downtown Historical District. Main Street Coordinator Cheri Bedford said it would take some time before all the expenses are calculated, but 350 of the $25 tickets had been sold before 8 p.m. — an hour before the festival wrapped up. Last year’s festival raised $6,500.
Stops for the evening included SOHO, Green Boutique, Paris Optical, Vital Beet, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Paris Baby, Spanglers, Paris Community Theatre, Paris Bridal and Formal, Collegiate Shoppe, Lillian Kelley’s, Two Rivers Antiques and That Guy’s Coffee.
Participating wineries included Landon Winery, Paris Vineyards, Grayson Hills Winery, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards and Winery, Kiepersol Enterprises, Red Road Winery, Homestead Winery, Crump Valley Vineyards and St. Rose Winery.
Restaurants included Bois d’Arc, Crawford’s Hole in the Wall, Time Flies, GirlsandCake, Cozy Cappuchino, Sweet D Confections, Paris Bakery, Brookshires Food and Pharmacy, Old Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast, That Guy’s Coffee and 24th Street Cafe.
Cruise Night on the Plaza is back! The first was held this weekend, and classic aficionados can visit the square and take a gander at the rolling iron on the first Friday of the month until the time changes in November. Here are some examples of what was on display Friday:
Due to a traffic accident at the northwest corner of 3rd St. NE and Lamar Avenue, there will be a four-way flashing red signal set up until repairs can be completed.
Starting next week, workers will dig the hole and begin to pour concrete for the base. Approximately a week after the concrete is poured the pole and signal can be installed.
Weather permitting, the signal will be in working operation by the end of the month. Please pay special attention when entering the work zone. Lanes may be reduced, so drivers need to slow down and avoid any distractions which could injure themselves or others.
The historic Sam Bell Maxey House, Evergreen Cemetery with its unique collection of carved headstones, the beautifully restored Lamar County Courthouse, and Paris Main Street each contribute to earning the north Texas community of Paris the 2013 First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award.
The award was announced by First Lady Anita Perry on March 27 at the State Capitol in Austin, along with Texas Historical Commission (THC) leadership and staff.
The award, initiated in 2009, recognizes communities that showcase their dedication to community preservation efforts through participation in THC initiatives and other state and local programs. The award is sponsored by the Office of the First Lady and the THC.
“Texas Treasures are communities that go the extra mile to discover their roots, teach living history lessons, and create a lasting legacy for future generations,” said Texas First Lady Anita Perry. “This award recognizes visionary communities that put in the hard work required to ensure that their hometown is different from the next. It spotlights communities that lovingly maintain their monuments from the past in order to create a stronger future.”
Paris’ multifaceted preservation commitment is evident through the dedication of numerous individuals and organizations, including the Lamar County Historical Commission, Paris Historic Preservation Commission, Paris Main Street, the Paris Visitors and Convention Council, the Lamar County Historic Society, and the Valley of the Caddo Archeological Society. Together with the City of Paris, they are active participants in projects ranging from the Trail de Paris, part of a 130-mile hike and bike trail that connects several historic towns to Paris’ vibrant Plaza Square, where Culberson Fountain graces the center of the downtown. Two historic districts play host to numerous restaurants, shops, and restored loft
apartments, and the Lamar County Historical Museum showcases Paris history, including a room devoted to the 1916 fire that completely destroyed Paris Historic Commercial district. It was subsequently rebuilt to become the largest collection of period 1916-1918 buildings in the nation, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Other preservation success stories include Preserve America Community designation; restoration of the historic Paris Santa Fe-Frisco railroad depot, and the famous Peristyle band backdrop in Bywaters Park; Texas Capital Fund Main Street Sidewalk replacement grants for revitalization of downtown sidewalks; an Environmental Protection Agency grant for the cleanup of the historic Grand Theatre; and Historic Texas Cemetery designation for both the Evergreen and Campbell cemeteries. Paris was chosen from a group of highly qualified candidates by a committee comprised of staff members from the Office of the Governor and the THC.
“I want to thank the First Lady for sponsoring this truly deserved award,” said THC Chairman Matt Kreisle. “Texas Treasures communities represent a strong commitment to enriching the lives of visitors through the preservation of their real places telling the real stories of Texas. The efforts of the citizens of Paris should encourage other communities to follow on their own preservation journey.”
The First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award promotes and recognizes the unique heritage experiences of Paris through special signage and a DVD promoting the cultural resources of the community.
To see video clips of Paris and other award-winning communities since 2009, click here.
To learn more about this and other heritage tourism initiatives, contact the THC’s Community Heritage Development Division at 512.463.6092.
Wednesday Informational Meetings (speakers subject to change)
1:30-2:30 p.m. – Workforce Talent & Skills Development
- Andres Alcantar, chairman, Texas Workforce Commission
- TBD, TEA representative
2:30-3:20 p.m. – Transportation
- Rep. George Lavender, member of House Transportation Committee
- Rep. Larry Phillips, chairman, House Transportation Committee
- Phil Wilson, executive director, Texas Department of Transportation
3:30-4:20 p.m. – Water & Agriculture
- Mark Ellison, Texas Water Development Board
- Rick Rhodes, administrator, Office of Rural Affairs, Texas Department of Agriculture
- Representative from General Land Office
4:30-5:20 p.m. – Manufacturing & Economic Development
- Aaron Demerson, director, Governor’s Office of Economic Development & Tourism
- Carlton Schwab, director, Texas Economic Development Council
- Tony Bennett, director, Texas Association of Manufacturers
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