Editorial by Dawn Burleigh

Orange is an amazing conglomeration of beauty and usually bustling with activities.

A glance at the Community Calendar will show there are many activities happening across the city and this coming weekend is no exception.

While Publisher Bobby Tingle may not understand the concept of ‘wetting a hook’, there are many who do.

Personally, I am not going to sit in a boat for hours for a bass, but I can understand why the anglers participating in this weekend’s competition would. Now, if we were talking shark, that would be a different story.

I will enjoy watching the weigh-ins and the look of excitement on both the anglers and the audience as the weights are announced.

For those not as interested in fishing, Art in the Park, on Saturday, will offer a showcase of a variety of talent from the area.

Art in the Park is not just about artists but also a fundraising event for several non-profits in the area. American Association of University Women will hold their annual Book sale on the steps of the Lutcher Theater.

In the past, and hopefully to be seen with booths this weekend, include Friends of the Orange Public Library, Orange African American Museum, Thrift and Gift Shop and Orange County Christian Writers Guild.

Plants, paintings, books, and so much more will be on display and for sale.

As an added treat for the weekend is 1920s Day at The W.H. Stark House. Free tours of the House are from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Saturday. This is an opportunity to see the beauty of the beautiful house.

The three-story home that stands much as it did at the turn of the 20th century, with fifteen rooms of original family furnishings, personal effects and decorative arts, including antique rugs, original textiles, silver, cut glass, and antique porcelain. Built in 1894, The W.H. Stark House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. All tours start at the Carriage House at 610 W. Main Avenue (just behind The W.H. Stark House) and parking is available in the Lutcher Theater parking lot. Stairs are an essential part of the tour. Admission is limited to individuals 6 years and older. This tour takes approximately 45 minutes.

Also set for the weekend is the Orange County River Festival. Rides and carnival food for all ages is sure to keep the crowds entertained.

Adding to a showcase of talent this weekend is four free concerts.

Tony Faulk & Chaos will be on stage from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday followed by Dustin Sonnier from 8 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Both concerts are sponsored by INVISTA.

Saturday, crowds will hear Britt Godwin from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., followed by John Michael Montgomery from 8p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Saturday’s concerts are sponsored by Entergy.

Want the kids to experience some fishing during the tournament? Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. is the Kids catch and Release Fish Tank sponsored by Gopher Industrial.

 

Dawn Burleigh is editor of The Orange Leader. She can be reached at dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com