Jefferson Texas, 75657, is a unique small town community with big city roots and attitudes. Located in the Piney Woods, sandwiched between Lake O' the Pines and Caddo Lake, Jefferson enjoys wonderful natural surroundings, the ease of country living, and the stimulation of progressive attitudes.
I am not going to blog about events in Jefferson. I am inconsistent (I am hardly ever inspired to take the time) and there are at least a dozen local blogs that do a decent job of promoting and recapping our great activities.
Instead, I have decided to blog about Jefferson itself, its history, its future and its people.
This change of direction was planted by a conversation yesterday with a visitor from Washington state. This visitor said he is active on his local tourism committee and knows how hard it is to get people to do the necessary work that brings visitors to town. He was impressed with the evident work that our Jefferson citizens accomplish and the number of people this little town is able to muster when work is needed.
So, that got me thinking.
I have been amazed and delighted by Jefferson since the first time I saw it mentioned on the web. We were living in my native California and researching a possible home in the East Texas region. We wanted to be within an hour of our relatives in Longview. Jefferson appeared repeatedly as an active, interesting, beautiful place. There is something happening practically every weekend. Since moving here in 2009, we continue to be delighted in the people, activities, ambiance and energy of Jefferson.
While it is true that Jefferson has a wealth of historic and natural resources, its real treasure is its people. Jefferson attracts people who want a little extra out of their daily life. Jefferson holds these exceptional people by consistently living up to its promise of providing a great lifestyle.
We have special people who use their talents producing great attractions in our little historic city on the bayou. Our circle of friends includes dozens of outstanding individuals whose enthusiasm and energy are infectious and inspiring.
I love Jefferson, Texas. Come visit. You will love it too.
I love this town. You never know what is going to happen next. Last night at 5:59 PM I was in Ellen’s clothing shop (Fashion & Art Revival) and heard a bugle outside. I walked to the street and listened to someone blow taps. It was beautiful! The brick buildings and a slight breeze bounced the sound all around downtown so that I had no idea which direction it was coming from. Cars stopped on the streets and rolled down their windows. Pedestrians wandered to the middle of the street, trying to find the source. The last note was followed immediately with the 6 o’clock church bells pealing Christmas carols. I have no idea who blew taps, why, or if it will be repeated. I loved it.
I hope no one tells me who blew the bugle. It could have been one of the churches in town playing a recording. Or, it could have been a gift from an anonymous bugler. I don’t know and don’t want to know. It was hauntingly beautiful. I don’t want to ruin the mystery of it all.
Jefferson is one of the cities on the fabulous Holiday Trail of Lights. Last year Jefferson didn’t really do very well in displaying Christmas lights. As wonderful as Jefferson is, with Candlelight Home Tours, the Holiday Steam Train and our annual visit from the Kansas City Southern Christmas Train, our nights were less than brilliant.
This year we are going to change all that. Businesses and residents can enter “Let There Be LIGHT!” and win CASH prizes for the best lighting displays. Non-profits and organizational buildings can compete for a plaque and local recognition.
Just a quick note to highlight another great blog about Jefferson, Texas. Take a look at http://carriagehousejefferson.com/blog, written by Stephanie Lester, owner of Carriage House Bed & Breakfast with consistently great photos by Tom Lester.
This is it. this Saturday, October 9, is the big day for the Boo Benefit Run in Jefferson. The event goes on all weekend and ranges from Marshall to Uncertain, Texas. There are events at Caddo lake and lak O’ the Pines. But the center of it all if Jefferson.
This little town of less than 2000 people (I know, the road sings say 2100+, but that was ten years ago – we lost our one and only industrial plant since then and lost almost 300 jobs) welcomes over 30,000 bikers with music, food vendors, beer, and more music.
It is a surprisingly well behaved crowd. Boo Run is noted for being a festival to which you can bring your kids. Christian bike clubs attend. There is an enormous law enforcement presence. There have been practically no incidents over the years.
The Boo Run started in 1998 and has grown into one of the nation’s largest motorcycle events. ALL PROCEEDS go to Camp I’m Still Me (formally Louisiana Burn Camp) in providing opportunities for children who are burn survivors. More information about the this camp can be seen at (http://campimstillme.com/).
This is a great event. Come to Jefferson, spend some money for a good cause, support our local businesses and have a great time!
