Texoma, TX April 2026

INVEST IN YOU

TRAVEL

INVEST IN MEMORIES WITH VENTURE LUXX TRAVEL

ARTS + CULTURE

DECANTED WISDOM: SIP BY SIP

WELLNESS

INVEST IN YOUR SKIN

Home of the Month

Investing Wisely, Living Fully

As spring unfolds across Texoma, it feels like the perfect season to pause and reflect on where we are placing our time, energy and resources. In this special “Invest in You” issue, we explore what it truly means to invest not only in our community, but in ourselves.

Investment is often measured in dollars and development, but the most meaningful returns are personal. They are found in confidence, wellness, inspiration and connection. This month, we highlight local businesses and organizations that help each of us grow in ways that matter. Invest in your skin and your confidence with Absolute Aesthetics. Through personalized treatments and expert care, Jason Badgett focuses on helping clients look refreshed and feel empowered. Caring for yourself is not indulgent. It is foundational. When you feel your best, every other area of life benefits.

Invest in travel for your soul with Venture Luxx. Meaningful travel expands perspective, restores creativity and creates memories that last a lifetime. Whether it is a curated European escape or a quiet California retreat, stepping away from the routine can renew your sense of purpose and possibility.

Invest in your schools and the next generation through the Sherman Education Foundation. By supporting innovative classroom grants, scholarships and teacher initiatives, the foundation strengthens the future of our community. When we invest in education, we invest in leaders, entrepreneurs and neighbors who will shape Texoma for years to come.

And finally, invest in outdoor living at home with Daystar Landscapes. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces extend the comfort of your home and create places for gathering, relaxing and celebrating life’s everyday moments. In a region where sunsets are wide and evenings are meant to be enjoyed, enhancing your outdoor environment is an investment in lifestyle.

This issue is a reminder that the most powerful investment strategy begins within. When we care for our well being, seek inspiration, support education and create beautiful spaces to live in, we elevate not only ourselves but our entire Texoma community.

Here’s to investing wisely, living fully and growing together.

As always, thank you for reading and we'll see you around town!

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Barbara Ireland | Barbara.Ireland@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Danielle Poche | Danielle.Poche@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Lucas Ridley | Lucas.Ridley@citylifestyle.com

STAFF WRITER

Jennifer Haveman | Jennifer.Haveman@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sharla Davenport, Alexis Jacobs, Michael Kane, Lucas Ridley, Mike Zapata

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Courtney Mitchell

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

BARBARA IRELAND, PUBLISHER @TEXOMACITYLIFESTYLE

VENTURE LUXX TRAVEL

INVESTING IN OUTDOOR LIVING

INVEST IN YOUR SKIN

RETURNS TO DENISON

DEVELOPING THE Future

1: Sherman Main Street Board honors outgoing board member and chair, Aaron Bucy 2: Denison Public Works serving the community during the ice storm 3: Denison Tourism & Lucas Ridley with Texoma City Lifestyle celebrate RB West opening 4: Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce Awards at Tanglewood Resort 5: Scott Snellings of Snellings Law hosts Spread the Love in Texoma at Reba’s Ranch House 6: City and State leaders share insight at Sherman in Focus 7: Cernero Surgery & Aesthetics celebrate their grand opening in Denison

business monthly

RETHINK EVERYTHING YOU KNOW ABOUT BUSINESS PLANNING BY MICHELLE CASTLE

Local mortgage lender and podcaster, Michelle Castle, has added author to her repertoire! Aimed especially at loan officers and realtors, Rethink Everything You Know about Business Planning challenges hustle culture and offers a clearer, more sustainable plan for success. Castle encourages readers to grab a copy for themselves and a teammate or two who could use a fresh start.  The book is available on Amazon. Scan to read more

WELCOME NEW PARTNER, WOODLAND COTTAGES

Welcome new partner, Woodland Cottages, offering senior living in Sherman. Life is breezy in the largest city in the Texoma region of North Texas. Thoughtful floor plans, peaceful living, and community amenities create a place where comfort comes naturally. Whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee in your backyard or socializing at a neighborhood event with our team, you’re home. Get in touch and enjoy the best of senior living in the Texoma region. WoodlandCottages.com

DENISON CHAMBER 2025 AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to all nominees and winners!

Small Business of the Year - Split Window Studios

Large Business of the Year - Grayson College

Nonprofit of the Year - Texoma Family Shelter

Paul Kisel Volunteer of the Year - John Akers

Ambassador of Year - Roger Marrufo

Chamber Select - Brooklyn Vallier Moore

Chairman Select - Donna Dow

2026 Taste of the Chamber Best Presentation- The Frosted Shoppe in Denison,Texas

VENTURE LUXX TRAVEL

INVEST IN MEMORIES

ARTICLE BY SHARLA DAVENPORT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Jennifer Taylor and Jennie Roden are two friends who transformed their shared love of gourmet cuisine, fine wine, and adventure into unforgettable luxury travel experiences.

Jennifer Taylor, owner of Old Quail Run Farm, Bon Appetit Y'all and Blue Willow Cafe, is locally known for her culinary talents, cookbooks, music, and deep appreciation for wine.

Jennie Roden is the owner of Hillwood Manor event venue in Denison, interior designer, and accomplished travel advisor with a passion for curating seamless journeys. Together, they founded Venture Luxx Travel, combining their expertise to create distinctive, high-end vacations.

After years of traveling the world to celebrate food and wine, the pair began organizing similar experiences for friends. It quickly became clear their passion could evolve into something more. Venture Luxx Travel was born, offering thoughtfully designed luxury adventures centered around culture, cuisine, and connection.

In 2026, Venture Luxx Travel will host four exclusive excursions, with destinations including Tuscany and the Umbria region of Italy, Paso Robles, California, and Fredericksburg, Texas. Each trip is intentionally intimate, limited to eight to ten guests, ensuring a personalized and elevated experience.

You don’t have to enjoy wine to attend a Venture Luxx Travel trip. “We have people who aren’t wine enthusiasts, but love these trips because of the Michelin restaurants, fabulous art tours, and the history and education experiences.”

These curated tours go beyond traditional sightseeing. Guests gain in-depth knowledge of regional wines, vineyards, and winery histories, while enjoying immersive experiences such as private cooking classes, art tours, and visits to Italian castles dating back to the 1600s and 1700s. Travelers also dine at renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, creating a culinary journey that rises far above the typical vacation. Taylor’s longstanding relationships with celebrated chefs and establishments add a level of access few travelers experience. From boutique hotels to lavish activities and exceptional dining, Venture Luxx Travel manages every detail with precision. “This is white-glove care on a red carpet. You make no decisions. We do it all,” Taylor shares. “Our experiences are finely curated with the winemakers, the restaurants, and the hotels. No detail goes unnoticed. It is a very thoughtful, exclusive trip.” Due to popular demand, Fredericksburg has recently been added to the 2026 lineup, and the team hopes to expand into Spain in 2027. Reservations remain available for select 2026 departures, and a love of wine is not required. Venture Luxx Travel invites guests to discover exceptional adventures in Italy, California, and Texas through experiences designed to indulge, inspire, and connect.

VentureLuxx.com

Venture Luxx Travel

Upcoming Venture Luxx Travel dates:

Fredericksburg, TX -  April 9 - 12, 2026  (max 10)

Paso Robles, California -  August 27 - 31, 2026  (max 10)

Umbria Region, ItalySeptember 28 - October 3, 2026  (max 8)

Tuscany, ItalyOctober 12 - 17, 2026  (max 8)

VentureLuxx.com email: info@ventureluxx.com

HONORING AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

A COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AT THE OWEN ACADEMY

Each April, Autism Awareness Month encourages communities to deepen their understanding of autism and the importance of inclusion. At The Owen Academy, this awareness is not limited to one month — it is a daily commitment reflected in how students are educated and supported.

Autism is a spectrum, and every student’s needs are unique. The Owen Academy provides individualized instruction through small class sizes, structured routines, and personalized learning plans, creating an environment where students on the autism spectrum can learn and grow at their own pace.

Beyond academics, the academy emphasizes communication, social development, and emotional well-being. Educators work closely with families to ensure consistency and collaboration, recognizing that strong partnerships play a key role in student success.

Autism Awareness Month also highlights the value of inclusive spaces within the community. Through compassion, flexibility, and individualized support, The Owen Academy continues to empower students with autism and foster understanding throughout Texoma.

INVESTING IN OUTDOOR LIVING

Daystar Landscapes - Enhancing Curb Appeal and Creating Functional Outdoor Spaces

Designed for Everyday Living

ARTICLE BY ALEXIS JACOBS

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY DAYSTAR LANDSCAPES

In North Texas, where outdoor living is part of the lifestyle, landscaping has become more than an aesthetic upgrade. It’s an investment. For Daystar Landscapes, that philosophy has been at the heart of the company since its earliest days, shaping not only how spaces look, but how they function and endure.

Daystar Landscapes began in 1984 with a simple vision and a strong work ethic. Founder Jeff Canfield moved to Texas from Oklahoma and started the business with little more than determination, a rented wheelbarrow, and tools purchased on a Sears credit card. By day, he completed landscaping jobs. By night, he stocked groceries to make ends meet.

Growth came steadily and organically. “It started with knocking on doors and building trust one project at a time,” says Catherine Brooks, General Manager. “Those early relationships turned into long-term partnerships, and that’s really what built the foundation of who we are today.”

Over the decades, Daystar Landscapes expanded from residential jobs into partnerships with custom and production homebuilders, developing the systems and expertise required to handle projects at every scale. Today, the company offers full-service landscape design and installation for residential, commercial, and new construction properties across North Texas.

That full-service approach is central to the client experience. Rather than coordinating multiple contractors, homeowners can rely on a single, cohesive team from concept through completion. Services include design, installation, planting, irrigation, drainage, lighting, hardscape features, and more, all thoughtfully integrated into one plan.

“Professional landscaping is one of the few investments that improves your daily life while also increasing your home’s value,” explains Catherine. “It creates outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of your home, while also ensuring everything is built to last.”

That balance between beauty and function is where the company truly sets itself apart. Each project begins with a collaborative design process, often incorporating 3-D renderings that allow homeowners to visualize the finished space before construction begins. From there, every detail, from plant selection to grading, is carefully considered.

“Beautiful landscapes start below the surface,” says Catherine. “If irrigation, drainage, and grading aren’t done correctly, even the best design won’t hold up over time.”

This attention to infrastructure helps homeowners avoid common long-term issues like erosion, standing water, and plant failure, protecting both the landscape and the property itself. It also ensures that the finished space remains as functional as it is visually appealing.

Experience in commercial and builder projects also influences Daystar Landscapes’ residential work. The company brings a level of organization, efficiency, and precision that elevates the homeowner experience.

“Working at scale teaches you discipline,” says Catherine. “We bring that same structure and attention to detail into residential projects, so everything runs smoothly and the end result is something we’re proud to stand behind.”

That commitment is reflected not only in the finished product, but in the process itself. Clean job sites, clear communication, and a respect for the homeowner’s space are all part of the Daystar Landscapes standard.

“Landscaping isn’t just about adding plants,” says Catherine. “It’s about creating a space that fits how people actually live.”

Beyond individual projects, Daystar Landscapes is also deeply rooted in the North Texas community, supporting local initiatives and contributing to projects that extend beyond their job sites.

At its core, the company’s mission remains simple: to create outdoor environments that are as functional as they are beautiful. Spaces that grow, adapt, and add value over time.

For homeowners considering their next upgrade, the message is clear. Investing in your landscape isn’t just about today’s curb appeal. It’s about building something that enhances your home, your lifestyle, and your future.

For more information, visit DayStar Landscapes at DayStarLandscapes. com or 2144 W. Prosper Trail, Prosper, TX 75078, or contact them at 972.985.7489 or Info@daystarlandscapes.com.

“Great landscaping transforms how homeowners live, blending beauty, function, and long-term value into every outdoor space.”

As we head into graduation season, Austin College congratulates local seniors for all their hard work and for passing this important milestone. As you consider your next steps, we hope you’ll visit our Sherman campus and see why Austin College was named one of the top colleges in the country by Forbes and the Wall Street Journal.

Close to Home | Far From Ordinary Visit austincollege.edu/admission

ARTICLE BY LUCAS RIDLEY

INVEST IN YOUR SKIN

A GUIDE TO RADIANCE WITH JASON BADGETT OF ABSOLUTE AESTHETICS

LED + Salt Facial

Detox, exfoliate, and restore skin vitality with the Salt Facial, enhanced by LED therapy to reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and stimulate cellular repair for a clearer, calmer, more radiant complexion.

PDGF / PDRN Microneedling

Advanced regenerative microneedling infused with growth factors to stimulate collagen, improve texture, refine pores, and rebuild skin strength from within for smoother, healthier, more resilient skin.

Medical-Grade Skincare

Professional-strength formulations that correct, protect, and maintain results. Customized to your skin’s needs, these products improve tone, texture, and collagen support for long-term skin health and visible transformation.

Facial Balancing (Dermal Filler + PDO Threads)

Restore structure, lift, and harmony with strategic filler and PDO threads. Designed to support natural contours, soften heaviness, and create a refreshed, balanced appearance without looking overdone.

Glo2Facial (Oxygen Facial)

Oxygenate, exfoliate, and nourish the skin through a unique treatment that boosts circulation, enhances absorption, and restores cellular energy for an instant glow and long-term skin revitalization.

ARTICLE BY MICHAEL KANE

DECANTED WISDOM: SIP BY SIP

Most people do not feel intimidated walking into a grocery store. Some do, however, feel anxious about stepping into a wine shop, and almost everyone feels that way when the conversation turns to investing.

Over the past twenty years as a financial professional, I have worked with individuals and families navigating complex financial decisions. I have noticed that the same emotions that make people uncomfortable choosing a bottle of wine often derail sound financial decisions. The fear of choosing wrong, the pressure to impress, concerns about price, and the quiet belief that everyone else knows more than you do can all stand in the way.

Wine, it turns out, is a remarkably helpful way to understand investing. Not because it simplifies money, but because it humanizes it. Here in Texoma, wine is becoming part of the local conversation in a meaningful way. With the growth of the Texoma AVA, more people are experiencing firsthand how wine reflects place, patience, and personal taste. These ideas translate naturally into how we think about long-term financial decisions.

When people begin exploring wine, they often rely on labels, scores, or price tags to guide them. Higher prices feel safer. Familiar names feel less risky. Over time, something shifts. With experience, people begin to trust their own palate. They learn what they enjoy, what they do not, and why. Confidence replaces intimidation.

Investing works much the same way.

Early on, investors often look for shortcuts. Hot tips, market predictions, or whatever seems popular at the moment can feel reassuring. But lasting financial confidence is not built on chasing what is fashionable. It is built through experience, patience, and understanding your own comfort with risk.

One of the most useful lessons wine teaches is the importance of time. Some wines are meant to be enjoyed young, while others need years to develop complexity. Opening a wine too early does not mean it is a bad wine. It simply means it has not had time to become what it is capable of being.

Investments behave similarly. Markets fluctuate. Progress is not linear. Short-term volatility does not mean a long-term plan is ruined. Like wine, many good investments simply need time to mature.

Then there is price.

In both wine and investing, a higher cost does not automatically mean greater satisfaction. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it does not.

CONTINUED >

Paying more can make sense when it aligns with quality, purpose, and personal preference. But when price is driven by prestige or fear of missing out, regret often follows.

That regret has its own familiar aftereffect. Anyone who has overindulged in wine knows the feeling of a hangover and the wish that a different choice had been made the night before. Financial decisions can leave similar

“THE BOOK EXPLORES THE STRIKING SIMILARITIES BETWEEN WINE AND WEALTH TO MAKE BOTH FEEL MORE APPROACHABLE, HUMAN, AND LESS INTIMIDATING.”

emotional hangovers, especially when they are made impulsively or under pressure.

The goal in both wine and investing is not perfection. It is awareness.

Learning to recognize your tendencies, whether that is impatience, risk aversion, or chasing what others are doing, allows you to make better decisions next time. Just like developing a palate, building financial confidence is a process, not a moment.

That idea is at the center of my forthcoming book,  Decanted Wisdom , scheduled for release in Fall 2026. The book explores the striking similarities between wine and wealth to make both feel more approachable, human, and less intimidating. More information can be found at DecantedWisdom.com.

Because when people understand that confidence grows through experience, not expertise, both wine and investing become far more enjoyable and far less intimidating. Michael Kane is a financial advisor and author based in Sherman, Texas. He can be reached at michael@decantedwisdom.com.

ARTICLE BY MIKE ZAPATA

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SEF

SHERMAN Education FOUNDATION

Circle Of Success

Spring is a season many look forward to, but for Sherman Independent School District students and staff, it carries special significance. Each spring, the nonprofit Sherman Education Foundation (SEF) hosts its annual Circle of Success fundraising event, a celebration of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence.

Since 2001, Circle of Success has provided over $2.2 million to fund innovative campus projects not covered by district budgets and to recognize some of the most exceptional students in Sherman ISD. Each year, educators nominate outstanding students for their service, character, and leadership. Selected students are then invited to choose an educator who has inspired them and made a lasting impact on their academic journey.

Kathy Bickerstaff, executive director of the Sherman Education Foundation, organizes the event with support from the foundation team. “Circle of Success is such a unique and inspirational event,” she says. “We select seven or eight students each year from a pool of around fifty. They are all so deserving, which makes the decision difficult. Everything we raise goes directly back to the schools.”

SEF President Edwin Clark adds, “Circle of Success offers a powerful window into the heart of public education. It is an all-encompassing evening where service, innovation, education,

gratitude, and hope come together. Serving on the SEF Board is an honor because we are not just investing in schools, we are fueling the future. Every grant is a promise kept to a student, and every educator honored is proof that one life truly can change many.”

Over the years, the event has become a favorite among students and educators alike. Circle of Success Chair Rylee Arnot shares, “Circle of Success is one of my favorite nights of the year. Nothing strengthens your belief in our public schools, our students, and our staff quite like this event. It is a privilege to serve on the board and a joy to see students who embody service, character, and leadership recognized and celebrated.”

Grant recipients also witness the impact firsthand. Priscilla Burns, a music teacher at Parker Elementary, describes the difference the funding has made in her classroom. “Because of the Sherman Education Foundation’s Circle of Success grant funding, our fourth-grade students travel to Dallas to experience both incredible art and the power of live music,” she explains. “For many of our students, it is their first visit to Dallas. Visiting the Dallas Museum of Art and hearing a live orchestra at the Meyerson Symphony Center creates wonder and joy they might not otherwise experience. These moments deepen students’ love for the arts and often inspire them to continue pursuing music and art as they grow.”

The grants portion of Circle of Success provides vital funding for supplies, educational programs, and student experiences that might not otherwise be possible. Teachers use these funds to enhance curriculum and expand opportunities in areas such as math, bilingual education, STEM, robotics, dyslexia support, fine arts, and physical fitness.

Since its inception, Circle of Success has honored more than 194 students. Bickerstaff notes, “Many of these remarkable students have accomplished more in their short journeys than most of us do in a lifetime. This is truly an extraordinary program, and we encourage more community members to get involved through donations or sponsorships.”

This year’s Circle of Success will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Austin College. For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, visit ShermanISD. net/SEF or contact the Sherman Education Foundation at 903-891-6431.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

APRIL 2026

APRIL 2ND

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

TEXOMA HEALTH FOUNDATION PARK | 6:00 PM

Enjoy an evening filled with colorful eggs, sweet treats, and plenty of photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Children of all ages can participate in age-grouped hunts, making it a fun and safe experience for everyone. Bring your baskets, gather your friends, and hop on over for a festive community tradition full of laughter and springtime cheer! CityofDenison.com

APRIL 10TH

Pottsboro Community Wide Garage Sale

THROUGHOUT POTTSBORO | 8:00 AM

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop! Residents throughout town will be clearing out closets and garages, offering everything from home décor and furniture to clothing, tools, toys, and hidden treasures. It’s the perfect weekend to score great deals while connecting with neighbors. Grab your cash, map out your route, and enjoy the fun! PottsboroChamber.com

APRIL 11TH

9th Annual Great Bowls of Fire

903 BREWERS | 12:00 PM

Spice things up at Great Bowls of Fire! Hosted by the Grayson County Child Welfare Board, this flavorful chili and salsa tasting contest benefits foster children and families across Grayson County. Enjoy live music, exciting raffle items, and a lively auction while supporting a meaningful cause. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to compete. visit GraysonCountyChildWelfareBoard.com

APRIL 11TH

The Owen Foundation

Blazing 5k and Fun Run

DOWNTOWN DURANT | 8:30 AM

Lace up and join the Blazing 5k and Fun Run hosted by The Owen Foundation! This family-friendly event helps kick off Autism Awareness Month. As a result of last year's race, the foundation was able to put 10 autistic kids through life-saving swim lessons and send a COTA through angel fish training! RunSignup. com/Race/OK/Durant/Blazing5K

APRIL 24TH

Bandits, Bluegrass, and BBQ Festival

THE GEORGE TAVERNDENISON | 6:00 PM

Get ready for a night of great music, delicious BBQ, and old-west fun! This beloved community event features live bluegrass bands, mouthwatering BBQ for sale, and meet-and-greets with friendly “bandits” and old-west reenactors. It’s a perfect way to kick off spring celebrations while supporting a great cause — proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Denison. DiscoverDenison.com

APRIL 25TH

Doc Holliday: Saints and Sinners Festival

DOWNTOWN DENISON | 8:00 AM

Step back into the Wild West at the annual Doc Holliday: Saints and Sinners Festival in downtown Denison! This lively celebration of Denison’s boomtown past brings historic fun for all ages with authentic Old West reenactments, characters, and activities inspired by the era when legendary figures like Doc Holliday once walked these streets. DiscoverDenison.com

Kid Activities

Old West Reenactors

Entertainers, Artists, & Crafters

Wagon Rides

Railroad History

Food & Drink

Did you know the legendary Doc Holliday once operated a dentistry office in Downtown Denison, Texas? Long before the tales of Tombstone, Holliday walked the streets of this North Texas boomtown. Now, you can step back into the 1870s and 1880s and experience that frontier spirit for yourself at the annual Doc Holliday Saints & Sinners Festival

Downtown Denison transforms into a living snapshot of the Old West, complete with authentic reenactors, thrilling gunfights, wagon rides, and wild west photo opportunities. Meet authors and historians who bring the era to life through fascinating stories and research. Families will enjoy kids activities, a petting zoo, antiques fair, model train exhibit at the Katy Depot, and plenty of food and live music throughout the day.

One fan favorite is the Artist Village inside the Denison Senior Center, where

visitors can watch artists demonstrate period crafts,  explore genealogy research, and take part in hands on children’s activities. Just down the street, the 700 Block of Main Street hosts the Frontier Village Encampment, featuring blacksmithing, woodworking, black pot cooking, historical demonstrations, and live music that captures the sound of the frontier.

Be sure to catch the lively Hootin’ and Hollerin’ Beard and Mustache Contest sponsored by Texoma Barbers, a true crowd pleaser that celebrates rugged western flair.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for a fun filled day with family and friends, the Doc Holliday Festival offers something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to relive the days of Denison’s boomtown beginnings.

For full details, live music schedules, and event updates, visit Facebook@ DowntownDenisonTX

For the Doc Holliday Saints & Sinners Festival

ARTICLE BY LUCAS RIDLEY

DOC HOLLIDAY SAINTS & SINNERS FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Downtown Denison, TX

Cost: Free to attend