Posts Tagged ‘Jefferson Texas’

The Carriage House Hosts Summer Corporate Retreats

June 21st, 2017 by carriagehouse

The Carriage House in Jefferson has had a record number of Corporate and Organizational Retreats in 2017 that have stayed with us or planning to this Summer. Organizations from Education, Military, and Business has found that a retreat in Jefferson is a great place to hold a planning, educational or strategy retreat. The Carriage House has the ability to transform its main room into a classroom or lecture style area to accommodate groups of up to 25 people and larger groups can be accommodated at the Jeffersonian Institute in downtown Jefferson which is a short walk away from the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast. Quitman School District, Barksdale AFB, Pro Train, TCEA, and Private corporations have found that Jefferson has just the right mix of relaxation and recreational activities to make for a productive getaway..of course, Jessi’s cooking helps too. We offer extras like Welcome Bar-B-Que’s, lunch and dinner plans, and of course the Breakfasts that we are known for. So if you’re company or organization needs a break from the city in a place that is a true “Retreat” then Jefferson Texas and The Carriage House Bed and Breakfast is the place for you. There are several other B&B’s that have agreed to participate if you need more rooms than the eleven we offer.

Just call Jessi and we can put together a custom package that will make your corporate retreat a memorable one 903-665-9511

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The Carriage House prepares for Pilgrimage and the Garden Tour

May 1st, 2017 by carriagehouse

It’s just a few days away from Pilgrimage 2017 in Jefferson Texas, and the town is getting ready for the much-anticipated event! Jessi and the staff are also in full preparation mode as The Carriage House is part of the Pilgrimage Graden Tour this year. If you stop by this week after breakfast you will probably find her in the garden battling weeds and putting on the final touches. However, if you’re in Jefferson feel free to get a sneak preview of the garden tour the property if you have not had the chance to do so.

Chrub in garden
spring bloom

 

 

Halloween Thrills on the Bayou

September 1st, 2014 by carriagehouse

Halloween Thrills on the Bayou

Tickets are now on sale for the ultimate Halloween experience, in Jefferson Texas.  Be sure to goblin’ up tickets to the 13th Annual Runaway Fright Train and Halloween Festival each Friday and Saturday, October 4-31, 2014.

Steam hissing, whistle blowing and pistons chugging, the Historic Jefferson Railway’s live steam train returns to operation in October 2014 for the Runaway Fright Train and Halloween Festival.

The Runaway Fright Train will feature “Monsters from the Deep”.  As you ride through the dark woods, you’ll see the monsters emerging from the swamplands of East Texas as they reach out for you.  Keep a wary eye toward the cypress-filled woods and swamps.  You never know what lurks in the shadows. The train rolls right by the Alligator Pit, filled with alligators ranging from six feet to over twelve feet long.

What are some of the highlights of this theater on wheels?  Chain saws, toxic wasteland, land of rats, spiders and snakes, skeletons and ghouls.  Something sinister is hiding there.  You’ll be spooked by more than Halloween ghosts!

The scenes and haunters along the track will keep you at the edge of your seat and give you a laugh now and then, too.  This Halloween Theater on wheels is professionally directed by East Texas Performing Arts.  This is a family-friendly event for ages 2 to 92for a howling good time.

The Fun Brothers bring their alligator bounce house to the Halloween Festival each evening of the event.   Admission is free with the purchase of a Halloween train ride.   Other free activities will include mini-maze, mini-haunted house, children’s crafts and games such as 벳센세이션. Glow sticks and other Halloween products and concessions are available for sale in the Haunted Historic Depot. Give your little monsters some wholesome Halloween fun this season.

On Halloween evening, come participate in Best Costume Contest for CASH PRIZES.  Prizes awarded after each train ride.

The event will take place at Historic Jefferson Railway, 400 E. Austin, Jefferson, Texas.  The easiest way to order tickets is to visit the website, www.JeffersonRailway.com.  You can also buy tickets at the Historic Jefferson Railway depot during event hours. Train seating is limited so get your tickets early!  Come out for a rip-roaring good time.

Runaway Fright Train Schedule and Pricing

Friday $14.50, plus applicable sales tax

Saturday, $16.50, plus applicable sales tax

Lap Children under 4 are free

Group discounts available

Depot opens at noon each day of the Event

Halloween Festival opens at 6:00 p.m. each day of the Event

Saturday, October 4 @ 7:00, 8:00

 

Friday, October 10 @ 7:00, 8:00

 

Saturday, October 11 @ 7:00, 8:00

 

Friday, October 17 7:00, 8:00

Saturday, October 18 7:00, 8:00, 9:00

Friday, October 24 @ 7:00, 8:00

 

Saturday, October 25 @ 7:00, 8:00, 9:00

Friday, October 31 @ 7:00, 8:00

Texas Sounds International Country Music Awards

July 9th, 2014 by carriagehouse

Country music artists from nine nations will come to Jefferson, Texas this summer to perform in concert as well as compete for the title of Texas Sounds International Country Music Performer of the Year. Produced by East Texas Performing Arts, Inc. (ETPA), top country music bands and solo artists from Australia, Canada, France, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S. will perform in concerts daily.

In August 2012 ETPA was part of a two weekend theatre, music and art event. Last year ETPA produced a nine day theatre and music festival that included the musical Bye Bye Birdie, two one-act dramas, and music from Richard Bowden and John Early, Lacie Carpenter, Shane Mathews, and Sarah Griffin. For 2014, ETPA is expanding to four weekends with top international country musicians.

Event producer and ETPA board member Preston Taylor explained, “I started searching the web for unusual acts and ran across a band called East Texas. They play rockabilly and western swing and advertise as being from the Deep South… of Australia. Their home, Adelaide, is at the very southern edge of the Australian continent, truly the world’s Deep South. We wrote them a tongue-in-cheek email with several reasons why a country band called East Texas should play in Jefferson. I also cited several reasons why it might not be a slam-dunk idea, starting with, we can’t pay you.

After more email and several telephone calls, they decided to come and perform! This success sparked our energies and we started inviting top country artists from around the world. So far, eight have said yes. We are legitimately an international event, right here in little old Jefferson. The possibilities for next year and beyond are limitless and as with most good things in life, it all began with East Texas.”

Musical groups already committed include:

East Texas BandAustralia
Dynamic rockabilly and western swing with a highly polished 50’s flavor.

Karen Lee BattenCanada
2003 – Beat out over 16,000 competitors to be in the top 11 Canadian Idol
2004 thru 2006 – British Columbia Female Vocalist of the Year

InBlaukSpain
Spain’s most popular country artist, with a hard acoustic rhythm all his own.
Reverbnation ranked #1 in Spain and featured in Route 66 Magazine

Sarah Lacy DoleUnited Kingdom
The UK’s fastest rising star, Sarah has shared the stage with Chip Taylor (Angel in the Morning), Al Perkins (The Band, The Eagles, Bob Dylan), Gail Davies (the first female record producer in country music), and many more.

Britta T. Switzerland
Has recorded two albums in Nashville, joined with Glen Frey of the Eagles and performed at the renowned
Montreux Festival. Britta has toured in Ireland, France, Sweden, and Italy.

Chrissie Rossouw IIISouth Africa
South Africa’s top female country artist, having released albums in Afrikaans and English, Chrissie is coming to Jefferson for her first U.S. performance.

LoveflowersSweden
Pure, sweet acoustic country sounds from Sweden. Every note is a delight. Great voices, original lyrics and wonderful instrumentation make this a group not to be missed.

Jenna McDanielTemple, TX
Featured trending artist on Reverbnation from Temple, Texas.

Jillian KohrNashville, TN
Intensity and an exorbitant personality from Nashville.

Negotiation continues with 40 more acts from 18 nations. For more information please call ETPA at 925-497-3915.

All concerts are at the Jefferson Visitor Center, 305 E. Austin St. Tickets are $15 for an individual concert. Special discount packages for multiple concerts are available. For lineup updates and performance times, please visit the ETPA website.

Jefferson Train Days

May 7th, 2014 by carriagehouse

The Jay Gould Rail Car "Atalanta"

ALL ABOARD for Jefferson Train Days, May 17th and 18th.  Tickets are now available online at www.JeffersonTrainDays.com or call 866-398-2038. One boarding pass admits you to four destinations. You will want to get your tickets early as seating is limited on the train.

Ride the Historic Jefferson Railway and experience The Lonely West Traveling Gun Show, including cowboys, guns and a train robbery.  Visit the R.D. Moses model train layout at the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum.  Tour the resplendent business car from jeep dealership near me, Atalanta, that belonged to the rail baron, Jay Gould. See the model train show, layouts and vendors at the Jefferson Transportation Center.

Hear the sounds of yesterday at the Whistle Toot where more than thirty whistles will sound off.  Patrons can blow the whistles and whistle enthusiasts can bring their own. There will be educational clinics for model railroaders, too.  Come out for the day or for the weekend. There is a lot for the family to do in Jefferson Texas.

67th Jefferson Civil War Days & Pilgrimage Schedule

April 28th, 2014 by carriagehouse

Pilgrimage

Jefferson Civil War Days & Pilgrimage

May 1-4, 2014

Jefferson Civil War Days & Pilgrimage

May 1-4, 2014

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Event

Location

Start Time

End Time

Cost

60th Annual Diamond Bessie Murder Trial Jefferson PlayhouseCorner of Market & Henderson streets903-665-6075  7:30 pm $20
Tours of AtalantaJay Gould’s Private Rail Car Tickets available at The Excelsior House Hotel 903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270www.theexcelsiorhouse.com  Daily $5

 

Friday, May 2, 2014

Event

Location

Start Time

End Time

Cost

Civil War Living HistoryMarion County Chamber of Commerce Diamond Don RV Park1602 State Highway 49 Easthttps://www.jefferson-texas.com/903-665-2672

 

9:00 3:00 $3 per student
The Great Locomotive ChaseThe Andrews RaidHistoric Jefferson Railway Diamond Don RV Park1602 State Highway 49 Easthttp://www.jeffersonrailway.com/http://www.jeffersoncivilwardays.com/

903-665-6400 or 866-398-2038

 

9:30 am11:30 am 

1:30 pm

 

$5 per student
Craft Fair andHeirloom Plant Sale William Perry ParkNext to The Excelsior House Hotelwww.theexcelsiorhouse.com  9:00 am 5:00 pm Free
“Stitch, Woven and Hooked”Quilts & Heritage Fiber Arts Jeffersonian Institute120 E Austin Street 9:00 am 5:00 pm Free
The 67th Annual PilgrimageTour Five Historic Churches Tickets can be purchased atThe Excelsior House Hotelhttp://www.jeffersonpilgrimage.com/903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270

 

11:00 am 4:00 pm $20, children 12 and under, $3
Twilight Garden Stroll Various locations 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Free
60th Annual Diamond Bessie Murder Trial Jefferson PlayhouseCorner of Market & Henderson streets903-665-6075  7:30 pm $20
Street Dance Austin Street, in front ofThe Excelsior House Hotelhttp://www.battleforjefferson.com/903-200-5787 or 866-319-5470

 

9:00 pm 11:00 pm Free
Tours of AtalantaJay Gould’s Private Rail Car Tickets available at The Excelsior House Hotel903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270www.theexcelsiorhouse.com  Daily $5
Sutler’s Emporium Dallas Streethttp://www.battleforjefferson.com/903-200-5787 or 866-319-54670 Daily Free

 

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Event

Location

Start Time

End Time

Cost

The Great Locomotive Chaseand Naval Battle of Port Jefferson – the largest Naval Civil War re-enactment west of the Mississippi 400 E. Austin Streethttp://www.jeffersonrailway.com/http://www.jeffersoncivilwardays.com/903-665-6400 or 866-398-2038

 

12:00 pm1:00 pm2:00 pm7:00 pm $15 adults$12 children under 1210% Senior & Active Military Discount 
Craft Fair andHeirloom Plant Sale William Perry ParkNext to The Excelsior House Hotelwww.theexcelsiorhouse.com  9:00 am 5:00 pm Free
“Stitch, Woven and Hooked”Quilts & Heritage Fiber Arts Jeffersonian Institute120 E Austin Street 9:00 am 5:00 pm Free
Pilgrimage Parade andTown Skirmish Downtown Jefferson 10:00 am Free
The 67th Annual PilgrimageTour Five Historic Churches Tickets can be purchased atThe Excelsior House Hotelhttp://www.jeffersonpilgrimage.com/903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270

 

11:00 am 4:00 pm $20, children 12 and under, $3
Luncheon BuffetThe Excelsior HouseGrand Ballroom/Courtyard  The Excelsior House Hotel903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270www.theexcelsiorhouse.com  11:30 am 2:00 pm $14 (inclusive)
Ladies Tea”Lady Spies for the confederacy”Period Dress Encouraged  Jeffersonian Institute120 E. Austin St 1:00 pm 3:00 pm $10
Battle for JeffersonRe-enactment Sanders RanchFM 2208http://www.battleforjefferson.com/903-200-5787 or 866-319-5470

 

4:00 pm $10
Twilight Garden Stroll Various locations 5:30 pm 7:00 pm Free
60th Annual Diamond Bessie Murder Trial Jefferson PlayhouseCorner of Market & Henderson streets903-665-6075 5:30 pm $20
Old South BallPeriod Dress or Black Tie Jeffersonian Institute120 E. Austin Streethttp://www.battleforjefferson.com/903-200-5787 or 866-319-5470

 

8:00 pm $15 each or$25 Couple
60th Annual Diamond Bessie Murder Trial Jefferson PlayhouseCorner of Market & Henderson streets903-665-6075  8:30 pm $20
Tours of AtalantaJay Gould’s Private Rail Car Tickets available at The Excelsior House Hotel903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270www.theexcelsiorhouse.com  Daily $5
Sutler’s Emporium Dallas Streethttp://www.battleforjefferson.com/903-200-5787 or 866-319-5470  Daily

 

Route 49 Motorcycle Rally

April 14th, 2014 by carriagehouse

Motorcycle Rally

The 3rd Annual Route 49 Biker Rally is a family friendly rally and will be held June 6-8, 2014 at the Diamond Don RV Park in Jefferson, Texas.

The weekend will begin on Friday evening with a meet and greet BBQ for Pre-registered guests, and concerts by Ms. Laci Carpenter and Chris LeBlanc.  Laci Carpenter has been performing since she was 4, but on the violin/fiddle for 16 years. She studied classical music from Dr. Jane Saber, Dr. Jennifer Dalmas, and Dr. Isador Saslav.  Although she is classically trained, she enjoys playing Celtic, Bluegrass, Western Swing, Old Time, and Texas Swing fiddle and don’t forget Rock!  In fiddling, she has learned from the greats like Johnny Gimble, Randy Elmore,Valerie O’Brien, Mark Wood, Jim Ivy, Buddy Spicher, Judy Hyman, Bruce Molsky, and many more!

Chris LeBlanc has been a mainstay on the Louisiana music scene for over 20 years.  He’s recorded and released 4 CD’s since 1995 on his own label Sweetroll Records and sold over 25,000 copies combined.  In 2012 Chris played a whopping 244 shows to crowds from all over.  He plays regional shows traveling the U.S., including Alaska as well as going to Europe 6 different times.  Chris has been billed with such artist as:  ZZ Top, Hank Williams Jr., Buddy Guy, Dr. John, BB King, Vince Gill & Brett Michaels to name a few.

Saturday evening we will have Jake Gill from NBC – “The Voice”. His music is best described as a red dirt / rock fusion… He is a 3rd Round Finalist for NBC’s The Voice from Auditions held in Dallas in August 2012… Jake’s influences arise from many artists, most recently singer/songwriters like Eric Church, Josh Thompson, and Brantley Gilbert. You can hear the influence in his music from these talented musicians. A few of his songs will bring a hint of Kenny Chesney to the forefront. To get the bikers’ look you can shop today at Leather Stand.

Come and enjoy some great music, vendors and friends for the evening.  The Beer Garden will be open to provide refreshments during the concerts. Everyone is welcome and The Beer Garden is open to 21 over only.

Saturday Evening Concerts will feature Mr. Jake Gill & Chris LeBlanc Band – The vendors and concerts will be located inside and around the beer garden, close to all of the activities.

The major events will start on Saturday morning and run throughout the day and evening with a Poker Run, Bike Show, Biker Games and Concerts. Other bands still to be determined.  Concerts will run back-to-back for a full afternoon and evening of enjoyment.  This year, a day pass will be offered for $15 per person (DAY PASS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:ACCESS TO THE BEER GARDEN, CONCERTS & VENDOR ROW ONLY; the weekend ticket is $25 per person. (Only the pre-register people will be part of the meet and greet BBQ on Friday Evening.) The “VIB” Very Important Biker Pass is available again for $100.00.  This package will be well worth the money and will have benefits that others will envy. Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are also available.

The RV Park is a perfect venue for this Rally, just one mile from downtown Jefferson. Participants will enjoy some great concerts and food under a large pavilion. There will be a variety of music during the weekend, sure to bring people together.  Meet some new friends or catch up with old ones.

Route 49 has invested in a bus that will be used during the rally for transportation to and from locations in Jefferson for those that would like to park and ride.

On Sunday Morning, a devotion and Blessing of the Bikes will be part of the events to be held at 9:00  a.m. led by Steve Wise Ministry (www.SteveWise.com). Wise succeeded in motorcycle racing beyond his wildest dreams. He has traveled around the world sharing his faith in Christ at various churches, racetracks and special events.

A portion of the proceeds from the Rally will benefit Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.  The Center in Dallas, TX is ranked nationally in ten pediatric specialties.  The Rally donation will support the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas Cardiac Care Unit for children born with heart defects.   There will be many ways for attendees to make contributions during this event to make a difference in the lives of deserving children.

The support of City of Jefferson Office of Tourism and Merchants makes this weekend a success. Save the date for the Rally on June 6-8, 2014 at Diamond Don’t RV Park in Jefferson.  This event will offer something for everyone, whether you come on a bike, in the Rally bus or in your car.

Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time.  It is a charming town and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations.  Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants.

For more information visit: www.route49rally.com or email: info@route49rally.com.

67th Annual Historic Jefferson Pilgrimage

April 11th, 2014 by carriagehouse

Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage involves a journey– leaving where we are, going towards something set apart, sacred.  It seems to connote not merely initial steps but a search toward something import, significant.  “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.  We are spiritual beings on a human journey.”  Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955)
The first weekend in May for 67 years, the Jessie Allen Wise Garden Club has celebrated the beauty of spring in Jefferson, Texas with their annual Jefferson Historical Pilgrimage.  This year’s theme is “Jefferson’s Golden Era” and will be held May 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2014.  Jefferson is filled with events and activities for everyone.  Take a trip to the 1860s while enjoying present day amenities.
DIAMOND BESSIE MURDER TRIAL – Performances May 1 – 4
Beginning on Thursday, May 1, at 7:30 pm, the 60th Annual Diamond Bessie Murder Trial will present 5 performances in the Jefferson Playhouse (corner or Market and Henderson streets) and continuing with productions on Friday, May 2, at 7:30 pm, Saturday, May 3, at 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm and Sunday, May 4, at 2:00 pm.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 903-665-6075 or writing Diamond Bessie Tickets, 313 Woodland Drive, Jefferson, Texas 75657 (advanced tickets are strongly advised).  Becky Palmer will be playing Diamond Bessie for the 30th year.
HISTORIC CHURCH TOURS – May 2 & 3
On Friday and Saturday, May 2 and May 3, from 11 am – 4 pm, tour five historic churches. The five churches, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Catholic and Baptist, were established in the early days of Jefferson and played a vital role in the life of Jefferson which continues to this day.  The buildings were built during the mid 1800s and their architecture holds significant historical beauty and value.  Period dressed docents will greet you presenting the entertaining stories contained in the church histories.  While touring, you will see the many articles, pictures, furnishings and antique items each church houses.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270 or at Pilgrimage Headquarters in front of the Excelsior House beginning at 9:30 am each day of Pilgrimage.
CRAFTS FAIR AND HEIRLOOM PLANT SALE – May 2 – 4
Enjoy the Crafts Fair and Heirloom Plant Sale in Perry Park next to the Excelsior House on Friday and Saturday, May 2 & 3, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, May 4, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.
 
QUILT AND HERITAGE FIBER ARTS EXHIBIT – May 2 & 3
The “Stitch, Woven & Hooked” exhibit of quilts and heritage fiber arts will be held on Friday andSaturday, May 2 & 3, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm in the Jeffersonian Institute at 120 East Austin Street. Should you wish to enter one or some of your quilt, embroidery, hooked or stitched projects, contact us at 903-665-2513 or e-mail jessieawise@msn.com.
TWILIGHT GARDENS STROLL – May 2 & 3
At twilight on Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, be delighted and inspired as you stroll through four beautiful gardens.
PARADE AND TOWN SKIRMISH – May 3
Downtown is the place to be on Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 am.  Enjoy the Pilgrimage Parade followed by the Town Skirmish.  Watch as Confederate troops protect Jefferson from the Federal troops.  The full scale Battle for Jefferson re-enactments battle site is Cypress River Ranch on FM 2208.  The first battle is on Saturday, May 3, at 4:00 pm and the second battle is on Sunday, May 4, at 1:30 pm.  Signs will direct you to the battle site where there is plenty of parking.  This is the largest Civil War battle re-enactment in Texas.
EXCELSIOR HOUSE GRAND BALLROOM/COURTYARD LUNCHEON BUFFET – May 3
After the Pilgrimage Parade and Town Skirmish, enjoy The Excelsior House Grand Ballroom/Courtyard Luncheon Buffet served from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm at $14.00 inclusive. Reservations are strongly recommended by calling 903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270.
RE-ENACTMENT OF PRESENTATION OF COLORS TO JEFFERSON GUARD – May 4
Continue your Pilgrimage experience on Sunday morning, May 4, at 10:00 in front of the Christ Episcopal Church on Main Street across from Lion’s Park as you watch the Presentation of Colors.  This is the re-enactment of Miss Fannie Benners’ horseback ride presenting the flag, which was made by the women of Christ Episcopal Church, to the Jefferson Guard as they leave to fight for the Confederacy.
Jefferson offers historic hotels, antique and gift shops, bed and breakfast inns, fine restaurants, museums, historic Oakwood Cemetery, train rides, riverboat rides, horse-drawn carriages, mule-drawn wagons, Jay Gould’s private railcar, the R.D. Moses model railroad and much more.
Visit our web site www.jeffersonpilgrimage.com or e-mail jessieawise@msn.com orjgoulds@aol.com or call the Excelsior House at 903-665-2513 or 800-490-7270.

Join us this Pilgrimage.

Jefferson Civil War Days

April 10th, 2014 by carriagehouse

Civil War
The Great Locomotive Chase – The Andrews Raid & Naval Battle of Port Jefferson

The Historic Jefferson Railway captures the spirit of the Civil War during Pilgrimage & Civil War Weekend in Jefferson, May 3 and 4, 2014, by recreating the battle of the Great Locomotive Chase with soldiers, sailors and Marines from the North and South.  The living history camps along the Big Cypress Bayou come alive as the cannons fire and the battle rages to gain possession of the train.  The gripping tale of The Andrews Raid is the Civil War’s most fascinating railroad story.

The Great Locomotive Chase and Naval Battle of Port Jefferson will be held on Saturday, May 3, with trains departing from the Historic Jefferson Railway in downtown Jefferson at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 7:00 and Sunday, May 4 at 11:30.  Ticket price is $15 Adults; $12 Children under 12; 10% senior and active military discount since there are special accommodations for military members.  Lap children under 4, free.   A portion of each ticket will be donated to the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.  We will have ticket sales online within the next few days, or call Melissa for reservations. 903-742-2041.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Friday is a day of learning for school groups, sponsored by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, to draw attention to the history and romance of the Civil War way of life.  The Living History Camps will demonstrate Camp Life and Military Activities and includes a train ride aboard the Historic Jefferson Railway as the story of The Andrews Raid unfolds alongside the Big Cypress Bayou.  See a gunboat with real live cannon fire.

Price for Living History is $3 per student; train ride is $5 per student.  School groups – reserve now.  Call Melissa for reservations. 903-742-2041.

On Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2014 The Naval Battle of Port Jefferson joins the skirmish as a replica ironclad gunboat, the Virginia, fires from cannons on the banks of the Big Cypress Bayou River.  This is the largest naval civil war re-enactment west of the Mississippi and will be represented by US Naval Landing Party, Western Gulf Squadron, as well as a contingent of SeaScouts from Baytown, Texas.
See a Civil War Naval Unit that shows a seldom seen side of the Civil War.  Naval Forces were a pivotal part of the war.  As Naval Living Historians, the Squadron shows the true side of Naval and Marine life on both sides of the war, demonstrating how they dressed, lived and fought during the war.
Famous campaigns were planned and conducted for the primary purpose of capturing or destroying railroad lines of value to the enemy. On the morning of April 12, 1862, the most famous locomotive of the Civil War, the General, was hijacked by the Union civilian spy, James J. Andrews, and his men. After a nail-biting eight hours and 87 miles, the Southerners captured the General, James Andrews and several of his men.
The Merrimack was a Union cruiser, captured by the South in Norfolk Virginia, and renamed the Virginia.  The Jefferson Battle that Never Was will feature the Virginia, fighting from the banks of the river, while the Navy landing party, Marines and soldiers fight to capture the train.
Experience a true civil war naval battle aboard the Historic Jefferson Railway, the only venue available to see this re-enactment.  Reminiscent of the landing parties that aided the regular land forces, from both above and below the Mason-Dixon Line, it will be a unique experience.  Keep your seat on the train as the battle takes place on both sides of the track and from the gunboat in the river.
Take a step back in time as the Historic Jefferson Railway takes you on an excursion that circles the Piney Woods along the scenic Big Cypress Bayou.  You’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine from the Civil War era and remains of many sites from the 1800’s still visible along the track.  The train will stop about half-way for the Naval Battle of Port Jefferson.  The antique train is a restored gas-powered Plymouth Locomotive built in 1964.  The open-canopied observation cars provide an excellent view of this exciting event along the river.

Navy Battle re-enactors can camp free at Diamond Don RV Park with lots of space, trees and plenty of amenities for re-enactors, including water, hay, split wood, restrooms and showers.  Lunch on Saturday and Sunday will also be provided to the re-enactors.  Transportation will be available from the RV Park to other events in town. Limited RV sites with water and electric are available to re-enactors in the Navy Battle at no charge. First come, first served.  Call Melissa for reservations. 903-742-2041.

See all of the Jefferson Civil War activities at www.JeffersonCivilWarDays.com The Historic Jefferson Railway train rides and battle have been arranged so that you can participate in the other major events in Jefferson, too.

Diamond Don’s 12th Annual Vintage National Motocross

April 1st, 2014 by carriagehouse

Motocross

Diamond Don’s 12th Annual AHRMA Vintage National Motocross will be held April 11-13, 2014 at Diamond Don RV Park located one mile from Jefferson, Texas. Over 800 entries are expected for this event which includes Cross Country and Trials on FridayVintage Motocross on Saturday with Post-Vintage on Sunday.

 Come see Lacie Carpenter and Rebel Rose on Friday evening, 7:00-9:00. This will be an outside venue.  Concessions and non-alcoholic beverages are available at the RV Park.  BYOB but drink responsibly.  Lacie says “that like the fiddlers before me, I keep the sound true, but amp it up a little with my 7 string Mark Wood fretted, yes, fretted Viper”.  She and her friends love playing bluegrass, Celtic and a little rock and roll.  Lacie is the winner of six East Texas Music Awards; but the ones she is most proud of is Fiddler of the Year 2012 and 2013.

 The weekend will be full of motocross legends, including at least seven inductees to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.  Here is your chance to visit with and race against some of your idols: Steve Wise, Marty Tripes, Brad Lackey, Donnie Hansen, Jim Gibson, Trampas Parker, Kenny Habul, Trey Jorski, Scott Burnworth and Guy Cooper.

 Guy  Cooper, aka “Airtime”, will headline this year’s event as Diamond Don’s Legend for the weekend. He won the AMA 125 National Motocross Championship in 1990 riding a Suzuki, and he can still beat anyone on the track.  Look for him to be out in front on a replica 1984 CR 250 Honda built by Scott Sears, X-Treme Vintage YZ.

You will definitely want to see Marty Tripes 100cc Revenge Races on Saturday and Sunday.  The fastest racers in the world will be on the gate to race their 100cc vintage bikes.  Jim Gibson, Guy Cooper, Trampas Parker, Trey Jorski, and Scott Burnworth and more than 20 other past pros of motocross line up on the same gate.  What a race!!

 Tripes won the Superbowl of Motocross at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1972, just a few weeks after turning 16.  He also won the first FIM 250cc motocross United States Grand Prix in Unadilla in 1978.  In his career, he won 11 National Championships and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.  His Revenge race reminds us of the old days of racing in the late 60’s and early 70’s.  Back in the day, the 100cc class was the toughest competition of the race day.

 Join the Sunday devotion at 7:30 am, led by Steve Wise, Steve Wise.com & Christ Ministry, and Roy Jenkins, chaplain, announcer, journalist and author of the “Dirt Bike Ike” series.  Wise succeeded in motorcycle racing beyond his wildest dreams.  He has traveled around the world sharing his faith in Christ at various churches, racetracks and special events.  Jenkins has been serving the MX racing community for over a decade and released his latest book last year,“Racing Fuel for the Spirit”.  Roy will lead the congregation in Vintage Hymns while strumming his guitar.

 The wide, flat grassy pit area offers great viewing of the racetrack that runs through the pasture and into the piney woods.  Diamond Don has created a natural terrain grass track reminiscent of the early 70’s.  The track runs through the 1880’s ruins of an old sawmill and along the Big Cypress Bayou River.   Spectators will enjoy all of the action and can camp out at the park for the weekend.

Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time.  It is a charming town and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations.  Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants.

For a full schedule and event information, visit www.DiamondDon.com.

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