Preparation for Party in the Patch underway
By KATHRYN MARTINEZ news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

As the East Texas Treatment Center makes preparations to host the third annual Party in the Patch in conjunction with their annual Bar-B-Q Cook-off, benefiting the center, locals may want to clear their calendars April 4 and 5 to accommodate scheduled activities.

East Texas Treatment Center is a non-profit rehabilitation facility serving East Texas for 57 years.

Merlyn Holmes, ETTC director of marketing, public relations and fund raising, works each year promoting the facility and organizing events to generate funds making the center's non-profit efforts possible.

"Last year we raised more than $65,000," Holmes said. "The community comes out to embrace the East Texas Treatment Center each time we sponsor an event. We appreciate and depend on this community's reception and turn-out for successful fund-raising efforts."

This year's Party in the Patch kicks-off with Cruise Night 6 p.m., Friday, April 4 at Kilgore's Rock N' Roll Whataburger. Souped-up cars are expected to line the streets surrounding the restaurant, offering a feast for the eyes, according to Holmes.

"Cruise Night is one way for locals and visitors alike to relive forgotten years," Holmes said.

After checking out the cars, head over to City Park to kick off a free street dance with music by Richard Stuart and One Night Stand.

According to Holmes, Saturday has been planned with the entire family in mind. All daytwo activities are scheduled in and around the Kilgore City Park.

Activities include the barbecue cook-off, rod run, horseshoe tournament, Energy Weldfab Inc. 42 Tournament, arts and crafts show, food vendors, tractor show, motorcycle show, Sonic Kid's Korner and live entertainment all day.

A whopping $5,000 in prize money is guaranteed for participants in the ETTC Bar-B-Que Cook-Off sanctioned by International Barbeque Cookers Association. An entry fee of $100 gets you in on one or all meat categories and $10 gets you in on the jackpot pinto beans competition.

Registration for Domino's Pizza's 42 tournament begins at 8 a.m. at Kilgore Community House. The first match begins at 8:30 a.m. First place takes home $100-$250, 2nd place grabs $50-$125 and 3rd gets $20-$30. Cost of the event is $40 per team for double-elimination straight 42.

To participate in the Rod Run for pre-1975 cars, meet at Whataburger 6 p.m. Friday, April 4. Entry fee before March 26 is $20. After March 26 entry fee is $25. The first 100 Participants are guaranteed dash plaques. A pre-entry drawing is scheduled as are awards. Awards will be given for best club participation, best of show, longest distance traveled, ladies award, Whataburger Award and an award for best trailered vehicle. Trophies will be awarded for 1st through 5th places in post- 1948 and pre-1949 categories.

The horseshoe tournament begins 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5 at City Park. Entry fee is $5. Deadline to register is the day before. Prizes awarded to first through third places, with raffles drawn throughout the day. Disco Inferno Saturday Night dance wraps up this year's Party in the Patch. The Disco theme dance begins 7 p.m. and goes until midnight at Skateplex (95 H.G. Mosley, Longview). The night's features include local dance couples competing in a Soul Train dance-off. Saturday night dance music is provided by Ambush.

Other activities include silent and live auctions and mystery lockers and special appearance by "the Village People."

Holmes said ETTC is still looking for sponsors. Sponsor a table for 8 for $750, reserve a table for 8 for $500 or purchase individual tickets for $40.

Registration forms for all events are available at the East Texas Treatment Center located at 1200 Dudley Road.