AUSTIN, Texas — The communities of Nacogdoches, San Marcos and Waxahachie will be named the second annual recipients of the First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award during a special presentation tonight by First Lady Anita Perry at the Texas Travel Industry Association’s Unity Dinner. The award, sponsored by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the Office of the First Lady, recognizes communities that showcase a passionate commitment to community preservation efforts through their participation in THC programs.

“We are fortunate here in Texas to have such a collection of historic towns, buildings, courthouses and sites,” said First Lady Anita Perry. “We now have six First Lady’s Texas Treasures communities, each remarkable in its own way, and each a destination sure to delight and draw more visitors with this special recognition.”                                              

The three winning communities recognize the economic benefits of researching, identifying and preserving the structures, archeological sites and landscapes that emphasize an authentic sense of Texas place by engaging citizens and visitors with those assets through events, outreach and education. The award recognizes the multifaceted preservation achievements of an entire community whose efforts utilized the THC’s various programs as well as the resources of other preservation organizations or state agencies. Each year, up to five Texas communities will be presented this award based on nominations received.

The 2010 award winners were chosen from a group of highly qualified candidates by a committee comprised of staff members from the Office of the Governor and the THC. Winning communities employed their unique resources and personalities to demonstrate sustainable preservation stewardship related to the THC’s tools and programs, while showing broad support and preservation leadership from volunteers, city officials, as well as cultural, historic and civic groups. Their efforts and accomplishments have resulted in treasures saved and heritage experiences created for the historical enhancement of all Texans.

 “These three communities represent a strong commitment to enriching the lives of visitors through the preservation of their real heritage places telling the real stories of Texas,” said THC Chairman Jon Hansen. “The efforts of the citizens of Nacogdoches, San Marcos and Waxahachie should encourage other communities to follow on their own preservation journey.”

The First Lady’s Texas Treasures Award promotes and recognizes the unique heritage experiences of Nacogdoches, San Marcos and Waxahachie through special signage and a DVD promoting the cultural resources of each community. To see video clips of 2010 and 2009 award winning communities visit the THC web site at http://www.thc.state.tx.us/awards/awdWaxahachie.shtml To learn more about the award winners or how to submit an application for next year, contact April Garner with the THC’s Community Heritage Development Division at 512.463.2630 or visit www.thc.state.tx.us.

Once again Common Threads Quilting will be a destination on the North Texas Patchwork Express.

What is the Patchwork Express? The North Texas Patchwork Express is a two day trip full of fun and shopping with a group of other quilters. The Express will visit these eight wonderful quilt shops.

Buses will take off on Saturday, May 15th at 8:00 am and return in the evening on Sunday, May 16th. You'll enjoy two days packed full of fun, friends and shopping. Registration includes your transportation in a luxury coach, hotel accommodations based on double occupancy, food, a custom printed tote bag filled with over $25 in quilting supplies and a truly fun quilting experience with your friends. All for only $129.95!

You must register no later than March 31. 2010. Passengers who register by February 15, 2010 will receive a free commemorative charm holder. But be warned...buses will fill quickly!

To register just visit Common Threads Quilting at 315 S. Rogers St. or call 972-935-0510.

The Waxahachie Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is a celebration of Hispanic heritage combining live music, food, arts & crafts,  contests, and good old fashioned family fun.

On May 1st, 2010 the Ellis County Hispanic Organization (E.C.H.O) will present the 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta in Downtown Waxahachie, Texas.  E.C.H.O is non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Latino culture, arts, education, economic and intercultural partnerships, and goodwill between the towns of Ellis County.

After a very successful 1st Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, we are excited to be getting ready for it again.  We are looking for entertainers, food vendors, arts/crafts vendors and anyone wanting to take part of this annual event. If you are interested please visit their site http://www.waxahachie5de5.com

Want to stay “up to date” on your favorite shops in downtown Waxahachie? Be the first to know about new products, special events and sales. Join us and our friends on Facebook!

You’ll find the following merchants on Facebook:

• After Hours Improv
• Catfish Plantation
• Common Threads Quilting
• Crafty Scrapper
• Ellis County Living Magazine
• Gifts, Etc.
• Marie Q Photography
• Mosaic Madness
• The Dove’s Nest Restaurant
• Villa Flora

Then, join our friends on Facebook:

• Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association
• Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce
• Waxahachie Civic Center
• Waxahachie Bethlehem Revisited
• City of Waxahachie – Official Municipal Page

Choose Waxahachie is a new campaign launched by the City of Waxahachie, along with WISD and the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce. The primary goal of the campaign is to communicate to citizens the “big picture” reasons why local spending is important, and how all members of our community can benefit when we stimulate our local economy.

One of the most important reasons is that a healthy local economy enhances our quality of life. For each taxable dollar spent in Waxahachie, one and a half cents goes into the city’s general fund to help maintain our streets, public facilities, city parks and community programs.  Sales tax is the largest revenue generator for our city. In 2008, these revenues totaled over $8 million, and accounted for 39 percent of total revenues. These revenues are extremely important in helping to maintain the quality of life we all enjoy.

Sales tax also funds recreational facilities in the form of the Waxahachie Civic Center and Waxahachie Sports Complex. In May of 1997, our citizens voted to establish a 4B sales tax, which went into effect in October of the same year. With the 4B sales tax, one half cent per taxable dollar spent is designated to develop quality of life improvements, like the Civic Center and Sports Complex. Waxahachie’s healthy growth rate and economic stability over the past several years have been instrumental in adding these wonderful assets to our community. Each year over 100,000 people visit the Civic Center, and over 4,000 youth and adults participate in sporting events at the Sports Complex. In many cases, these individuals are staying in our hotels, eating in local restaurants and shopping in our stores. Without sales tax revenues, these economic generators would not be possible.

As a result of the current economic climate, sales tax revenues are down an average of ten percent from this time last year. Although this situation is not unique to Waxahachie, it is important that we all do our part to help our community through the downturn, and we will all reap the benefits. Whether through driving on better maintained streets, taking our children to play in a well manicured city park, or even enjoying a community program such as the free summer movies in downtown, these are things we all enjoy, and are reasons we have chosen Waxahachie as our home.

Choose Waxahachie. It helps our quality of life.

Looking for the perfect souvenir of  your Christmas visit to Waxahachie? Need a stocking stuffer to remind friends and family of the Courthouse at Christmas?You can find just what you're looking for in the shops in downtown Waxahachie.

At The Gingerbread Antique Mall, Mosaic Madness and Old Town Village Antiques you will find just what you need. Their Victorian Christmas Magnets feature the Ellis County Courthouse as the back drop for 2 Victorian carolers. The magnets are $5 and quantities are limited.

Prefer a Christmas ornament...Buffalo Creek Cowgirls still has a limited supply of $12.95 Victorian Christmas ornaments.

No need to drive to the crowded malls...your perfect Christmas is a quick drive to downtown Waxahachie!

"Murder At The Four Deuces" is a rip roaring, 1920's gangster murder mystery, with lots of bribery and back stabbing to be had!

Enjoy a delicious dinner and dessert catered by The Dish and become a part of the mystery in this highly interactive event where you determine your own fate. Costumes are encouraged and will help you get "in character".

Join the fun Friday, January 15th at 7:00 pm  at the After Hours Improv Theater.

Tickets: $35/per person. Seating is limited so make your reservations now!