Tylerites - Your guide to everything Tyler! » Events

3rd Downtown Tyler ArtWalk

Tylerites — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 18:01:32 +0000

Artists

Megan Bryant @ Gallery Main Street
Nick Fadley@ Balance Lab
Jennifer Moreman @ Subway
Celeste Lewis @ The Studio
Tyler Chamber of Commerce Azalea Trails Snap Shot Gallery @ The Studio
Nyle Reams @ The Studio
Sally Taylor @ The Studio
Briana Sutton @ People’s National Bank Building
Cissy Boyd @ People’s National Bank Building
Dana Cargile @ People’s National Bank Building
Monty Graham @ People’s National Bank Building
Sandra Basurto @ People’s National Bank Building
Lisa Horlander @ cue:creative
FLY KiDS @ T.B. Butler Plaza
George Faber and Friends @ T.B. Butler Plaza
Bobbye Koncak @ Edward D. Jones
Dolph Miller @ East Texas Symphony Orchestra
Mary Lynn Bublitz @ Jakes
Joan Iverson @ Sports Zone
Maureen Killaby @ Sports Zone
Various artists @ ArtWall

23rd Annual Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala

Tylerites — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:49:29 +0000

Pickups and Pearlsnaps

I attended my first Cattle Barons’ Saturday night. I’d planned a trip for the weekend to float the river, but the strong storms across East Texas last week severely flooded the Guadalupe to the extent that no river floating will be happening for awhile. I’ve wanted to attend the gala ever since I had moved to Tyler nine years ago and this year I was finally able to go.

The event was held at The Park of East Texas between Hwy 31 and Hwy 64. After making our way down the dusty trail we parked and entered the party. It was set up much like a carnival. I am not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn’t really it. The Horseshoe Casino had a gaming tent with blackjack, roulette, a football throwing game and a wine toss. Oh, and a mechanical bull. Across from the Horseshoe tent was the auction tent which housed the numerous things up for silent auction and there was food and drinks a plenty.

A decent distance from the tents stood the stage where Lee Ann Womack would perform later in the evening. After making our rounds and taking in the sights we got in line for some food. The food turned out to be my favorite thing about the whole ordeal. There were pork sliders, burger sliders, avocado halves, barbeque ribs, brisket, sausage, potato salad, fried mushrooms, sweet potato fries, enchiladas, tamales, ice cream, strawberry cobbler plus much more. Everything I ate was fantastic. The food was provided by Eddie Dean’s catering, and those guys did an amazing job. I seriously went back for more food maybe four times. Yikes, so much for my summer diet!

Once it was time for Lee Ann to take the stage many people began wandering over to that area. She sounded incredible and put on a good show. By the time she was done it was about time to wrap things up and head home. I think it was around 11:30 at this point which is way past my bed time. Overall my first Cattle Barons’ experience was a great one. I saw lots of good friends, ate lots of good food, and finally got to see firsthand what all the fuss is about surrounding the event.

The Park of East Texas
2112 W. Front Street
Tyler, TX 75702
(903) 597-2501

57th Annual TABA Parade of Homes

Tylerites — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:48:34 +0000

Everyone needs to get out this week to hit up the Parade of Homes. The tour, ending June 13th, features new homes at every price point. I’ve only made it a quarter of the way through the tour so far, but my favorite so far is the lake view home in the Villages on Lake Palestine. Which home is your favorite?

Featured Builders

Heritage Builders
Wright-Way
Crestview Properties
JK Hatcher Custom Homes
Cotton Custom Homes
KJ Homes
Bayless Custom Homes
Starr Construction
Balser Homes
Villas of Hollytree
Boulevard Homes
Madison Builders
Mezayek Building
Campbell Custom Homes
Trent Williams
Eddie Clark Contractors
Pyramid Homes
Bob Kurtz Homes
Laughlin Properties
Carlton Edwards
Homes by Matthew Peer
Johnson Humphrey Homes
Casey Homes
Robert Aiken Custom Homes
Kevin Humphrey Homes
Stricklin Homes

3rd Annual Cause For The Paws

Tylerites — Sun, 23 May 2010 19:47:00 +0000

I was not only beyond flattered but also super excited when Tony Boykin of That’s What I’ll Do (T.W.I.D.) invited the Tylerites to be his guests at Miranda Lambert’s Cause for the Paws concert at the Villa di Felicita. Cause for the Paws is the major fundraiser for the Humane Society of East Texas. Last year the event raised $125,000, and this year the goal was $150,000. Since the HSOET relies so heavily on donations, the generosity of East Texans is what keeps this fantastic organization afloat. The HSOET has recently become a no kill animal sanctuary. Therefore, they are no longer the recipient of animal sheltering contracts. Unfortunately, the ethical decision to become a no kill facility was also a costly one, so every dollar, bag of food, carton of laundry detergent and gallon of bleach donated are vitally important to the employees, volunteers, and animals residing at the sanctuary.

Though good food and plentiful wine are typically all it takes for me to have a good time, throw a few native East Texan celebrities in there and you’ve got a surefire recipe for a great evening. Miranda Lambert deserves so much credit for all she does to help the HSOET. She lends her name, her money, her time and her talent to the event, and it’s touching to know that despite her fame and success she is willing to come home and support this worthwhile cause. Before Miranda took the stage, both the Whiskey Myers band and Kacey Musgraves put on great performances, then Mark Scirto traded his meteorologist’s hat for his auctioneer’s hat and engaged the entire audience while the dollars rolled in. The food was provided by Villa Montez, and the wine was provided by Kiepersol Estates and Red 55 Winery.

When the time for Miranda to come on stage rolled around, everyone had taken their seat or camped up front in the standing room only area, and all eyes were on her as she delivered a thoroughly awesome show. As ending time neared, she warned those who were leaving early that they really should stick around… Even though we should have seen it coming, it was such an exciting surprise when Miranda’s new fiance’, Blake Shelton, joined her on stage for a couple of songs.

It was getting late, and though I was sad to see Miranda and Blake call it a night, I was more upset that this fabulous night was almost over. We hiked back to the truck and headed for home. I still smile when I think about what a fantastic time I had last weekend, and am excited about the wonderful friends I met while I was there. Only 51 weeks to go until next year’s Cause for the Paws!

Setlist

Kerosene
Only Prettier
Famous in a Small Town
Dead Flowers
Dry Town
More Like Her
Time to Get a Gun
Heart Like Mine
Guilty in Here
Maintain the Pain
You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma (Rick Lambert)
Desperation
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Love Letters
New Strings
Stay With Me
The House That Built Me
Sin for a Sin
Travelin’ Band
White Liar
That’s the Way the World Goes ‘Round
Gunpowder and Lead
Home (Blake Shelton)
Hillbilly Bone (Blake Shelton)

videos credit: KNUE 101.5

Villa Di Felicita
7891 State Highway 110 N
Tyler, TX 75704-4927
(903) 597-0002

Centaur Arabian Farms

Tylerites — Thu, 20 May 2010 17:29:12 +0000

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then seven pics is worth seven thousands of words, and I will keep this brief. I was so touched by Eva Sealey’s invitation to attend the grand opening celebration of her South Tyler wedding venue and bed and breakfast. I drive by nearly everyday and have often admired the beauty of her property from my car, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to come inside the gate and see all that Centaur Arabian Farms has to offer.

Being the five year old that I am, I was of course immediately drawn to the Clydesdale horse that was giving carriage rides near the entrance. I tried to line jump all the other people (children) in line, but my husband wouldn’t let me and instead we made our way to the barn to mingle with the grown-ups. The word barn doesn’t really do this place justice, but that is what it is. It was a horsebarn that has now been converted to a reception hall, complete with a food serving area. The food, provided by Chez Bazan, was presented beautifully and tasted great. Tables were set in a way fitting of a wedding reception, and beautiful floral arrangements were on each table. Every inch was tastefully decorated and made me wish I could have another wedding. The Sugared Rim bartending service was there serving wine and cocktails to attendants.

Brides have lots of options at Centaur Arabian Farms. Everyway you look there is another picturesque setting for a ceremony or reception, both indoors or out. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and the bed and breakfast is cozy and homey. Though I wish Bill and Eva Sealey a world of luck with their project, somehow I doubt they will need it. This is a fabulous place backed by even more fabulous people, and I can’t wait to come back soon.

Centaur Arabian Farms
10271 Farm-to-Market 2813
Flint, TX 75762
(903) 561-6926

Patriot Million Dollar Hole in One

Tylerites — Tue, 11 May 2010 20:02:33 +0000

I had the opportunity to work a shift at the Patriot Million Dollar Hole in One on Monday. This fundraiser brings money directly into the community, which goes to scholarships for University of Texas at Tyler students. Anyone who has ever received a scholarship at UTT likely was a benefactor of this fantastic event.

Though the winds were high and the sun was hot on Monday, a few undeterred golfers showed up, eager to show their support. Basically, balls cost $1 each, and there is no limit to the number of balls golfers can purchase. Players coming closest to the hole are qualified to compete in the final round on Sunday at the Cascades, where a hole in one can win $1,000,000.

Schedule of Events

Friday, May 7, 11:00 am Press Conference and Media Contest

Saturday, May 8, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Hole in One Contest

Sunday, May 9, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Hole in One Contest

Monday, May 10, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Ladies Day @ the Hole in One

Tuesday, May 11, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Hole in One Contest

Wednesday, May 12, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Seniors Day @ Hole in One

Thursday, May 13, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm UT Tyler Day @ Hole-In-One

Friday, May 14, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Hole in One Contest, 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Friday Night Lights Out

Saturday, May 15, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Hole in One Contest, 6:30 pm Finalist Photos

Sunday, May 16, 1:30 pm Hole in One Finals at the Cascades

Komen Tyler Race for the Cure

Tylerites — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:20:52 +0000

5K Leaders

1. Warren Brown 15:46
2. Reuben Cowan 16:41
3. Joncary Faubion 17:10
4. Bob Hepler 17:54
5. Jeffrey Watson 18:08
6. Mikkel Keasler 18:25
7. Eric Heasley 18:31
8. Troy Hayden 18:32
9. Danny Hayden 18:38
10. Alvin Estacio 19:19

1. Sarah Deller 20:07
2. Haylee Abbe 20:51
3. Rebecca Smith 20:56
4. Lori Green 20:56
5. Daisy Hargraves 22:20
6. Angel Earley 22:28
7. Anna Hayden 23:01
8. Chaynee Atwood 23:01
9. Katie Haugland 23:10
10. Kristi Hollingsworth 23:13

Largest Teams

Brookshire’s Best, Team Captain: Carolyn Langston, 611 members
Trinity Mother Frances Pink Partners, Team Captain: Mike Hines, 332 members
ETMC, Team Captain: Todd Sigmon, 253 members
All Saints Episcopal School, Team Captain: Julie Roseberry, 124 members
Nancy P’s Team, Team Captain: Nancy Patterson, 65 members
Tyler Hematology Oncology, PA, Team Captain: Kim Rogers, 65 members
Marvin MOPS & Friends, Team Captain: Amanda Black, 53 members
Team CB&I, Team Captain: Erica Hardy, 46 members

Tyler Azalea 10k

Tylerites — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:15:53 +0000

Watch out runners, I’m ba-ack! Well, not quite, but I’m getting there. The 2010 Tyler Azalea 10k was this past weekend, and despite the lack of blooming azaleas, the turnout was quite good. The race, hosted by Mellew Productions, is my favorite race and will always have a soft spot in my heart. This is the third consecutive year I’ve participated in the event, and happy thoughts always come to mind when I reminisce of past years’ Azalea 10ks. In 2008 the race marked my first 10k race ever, and it just so happened that the same day I bought a new car! Come 2009 my running had progressed from hobby-jogging to running with a slight touch of speed and competitive confidence. Consequently, I ended up winning my first ever age group placement and was nearly brought to tears by the joy of that sense of athletic accomplishment. This year the 2010 Azalea 10k marked the end of my bitter battle with a lingering knee injury.

The weather, a chilly 51 degrees, promised great things as 50 degrees is what I consider to be my optimal running temperature. I awoke strangely calm, dressed and headed to Bergfeld park to join the other runners. Though I hadn’t even planned on participating this year, as soon as I arrived at the event I was very happy to be there. Smiling face after smiling face offered warm hellos, and running buddies of months past welcomed me back as though we hadn’t missed a stride. Before I knew it, we were off. The race went by quickly, and moments of strength were followed by moments of burning pain. Though I went into the race telling myself I was there only to participate, I had a goal time in mind that I was not letting out of grasp. At times all I wanted to do was throw in the towel and hang my head in shame on the side of the road and hope someone would come looking for me after the race, but pride would never let me do something like that. I crossed the finish line in under an hour, and felt pretty dang good about it. Had I been one of the top three to place in my age group (or any age group in this case) I might not have been so happy, as quite a few unusual and slightly suspect changes were made to the results after they were posted. Alterations were made to several age groups, a bit unfair, but tolerable for a small 10k. Now, if we’re talking a Boston Qualifying marathon come October, I’m not sure if the Tyler runners will extend the same tolerance for disorganization. Either way, I won’t be bothered by this elitist nonsense… I’m just happy to be running again.

Sweet Discoveries

Tylerites — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:14:05 +0000

Save the date

Monday, April 5th, the Tyler Discovery Science Place is holding the Sweet Discoveries Fundraising Event. The event, located at Jakes Tyler, will feature wine tastings from across the United States paired with dessert creations courtesy of Jakes. Tickets for the event are $100 a person, and proceeds directly benefit the Discovery Science Place. Activities for the evening will include a silent action, a Cole & Co. gem pull featuring a 1 carat sapphire, entertainment, and more!

The Discovery Science Place, named one of the Top 25 Science Centers in the Nation, is a hands-on family science museum that provides cool and exciting educational experiences for kids of all ages. I think the place is super cool, and I don’t even have kids! Sweet Discoveries is the major fundraiser for the science center, so as many people as possible are needed to come together for this great cause. If the tickets are a little steep for your budget but you still want to help, volunteers are always needed at the Discovery Science Place. More info on that, where to purchase tickets, and other DSP related info can be found on their website, http://www.discoveryscienceplace.org.

Tyler Rose Marathon

Tylerites — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:46:52 +0000

This year, for the first time ever, Tyler will have its very own full length marathon, courtesy of Mellew Productions! Though it is still a few months away, I am just too excited about this to keep quiet about it any longer. Plus, training for a marathon is no easy feat, so the earlier you can start training, the better.

In addition to the full marathon, scheduled for Sunday, October 10th (10-10-10, how cool is that?), there will also be a Tyler Rose half marathon and 5k. Formerly known as the Tyler Half, this is the new and improved 2010 version complete with a new name, new course, and new full length marathon, the first full length marathon in the history of Tyler. But wait there’s more… The courses will all be USATF certified, and the marathon will be a Boston qualifier!

The courses have been mapped and will be finalized once they have been measured and certified by the USATF. The marathon course will start in downtown Tyler, head west on Hwy 31, loop behind Tyler Pounds airport and head back east on Hwy 64. The course then runs back in to Tyler through some of the Azalea District and finishes at Ferguson and College. There will be 18 aid stations along the course.

Anyone who can participate definitely should. Even if you are unable to run in the race, offering support and encouragement from the sidelines is a great way to get involved in this really cool event. For those of you who are interested in running, more information can be found at www.tylermarathon.com. Also, don’t forget that the Azalea 10k is coming up at the end of March, and it is a great race on a beautiful course through the Azalea District during the peak of azalea season. You don’t want to miss it!