CHITCHAT CORNER
Royalty reigns
LINDA K. BALLARD

In Kilgore, we take pride in having the Rangerettes; in Tyler it is the Rose Festival and in Gilmer their pride is shown through the Yamboree. This last week, Chit Chat took to the roads to see the beginning of what goes on behind the scenes in preparation of the Yamboree. I was graciously invited into the unique home of Elliott and Sandy Dean for the rules and regulations meetings with the queen candidates. (You will be hearing more about the Dean home at a later date.) Bridgette Fowler, Queen's Contestant Chairperson presented the rules to the group, and within a matter of a few minutes these beautiful young ladies became business entrepreneurs responsible for putting on the best Yamboree, yet to come.

Everything from their safety to business matters, to proper etiquette and back to their safety was thoroughly discussed throughout the meeting. Although Bridget was nicknamed, "the stitch" throughout the meeting for her comical quips, the seriousness of the matter and punctuality was the highlight of this meeting and it began the minute the girls stepped through the door as photographer, Curtis Bright immediately started photo shoots.

I learned that these girls actually have only two weeks (June 16-27) to come up with the donations through ticket sales that it takes to put on such a massive event. All proceeds are used entirely for the Yamboree. This year, the queen will be seen riding on a new float and a new event has been added to this year's schedule which means extra work for the entire Yamboree team.

The Coronation Committee assisted and served refreshments as if each one in attendance was truly royalty and they stepped in to finalize the meeting after Bridget completed the rule section. They were as impressive as the beauty and sincerity of the young ladies in attendance. Oh, yes, I also learned the difference between a crown and a tiara, a drop, a drag and a train. See what ya'll missed and it's here in East Texas. The Yamboree begins the third Thursday of the month. Don't miss it, mark your calendars, now.

Back to our own - Meredith Murphy, a 2007 graduate of Kilgore High School, recently received the Spirit and Leadership Award from the Gateway Program at the University of Texas at Austin. The Gateway Program is a two-year program designed to enable students to have a smooth transition from high school to college. Students go through a selection process in the Office of Admissions to become a part of Gateway. Her parents are Kilgoreites Rick and Bebe Murphy and grandmother is Ertis Murphy. (Congratulations, Meredith.)

The family of Bobby and Shirley Hankins would like to say "thank you" to the unidentified man who helped Bobby in time of need at Wal- Mart last Friday morning. Bobby almost passed out and the man stayed with him while his wife went after the car. He then helped Bobby get in the vehicle where he was taken to the emergency room. "The first thing the man asked my father was if he knew the Lord," said Janice Jordan. "Of course, he could answer yes, but it was such a comfort to know that my father was in the hands of a person that put first things first. May he be blessed for his kindness."

Grace Baptist Church is at it again as they welcome in the David Warren Family this Sunday at 10:30 a.m.. The Warren family travels from the East to West Coast sharing the gospel with great Southern Gospel music. They play various instruments, from banjos to mandolins, and will bless your heart with their gifted abilities. Grace Baptist Temple is located at the corner of Peavine Road and Hwy. 135.

May His Love and Laughter fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week. We may be reached at 903-984-2593 or at Chitchatlinda@ aol.com.