Photos by K2 Images
If I say the word “Crawfish,” that gets a lot of taste buds turning backflips in anticipation of a very important local event. Just hold that thought, and we’ll get right back to it!
Now, think of a tree. It starts out as a little seed, yet when fully mature, spreads its branches far and wide, showering its benevolence onto everything around. And there you have it—The Walker County Area Go Texan organization. It is comprised of only 15 members, yet sponsors one of the most well-known fundraisers in this area, providing scholarships to local students and supporting the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This is a very busy group of 15! I enjoyed time with several members to learn more about this hardworking group and their objectives.
What is the Walker County Area Go Texan Organization?
Who is presently serving on this committee?
Ambassador: Teresa Ringo
Committee Members: Debbie Allen, Frank Belt, Roger Collins, Kelly Davis, Jennifer Gauntt, Sherry Hirsch, Julie Hoke, Ann Janes, Paul Ollie, Irma Dowden, Brandy Robbins, Kasey Shelton
Lifetime Members: Jamie Batten, Jana Certa, Alice Ellisor, Jerry Ellisor, David Shelton, Gary Christian, James Youngblood
Senior Committeeman: Sidney Grisham
The only position with a mandatory time requirement is that of Ambassador, which is a 3-year commitment. The Ambassador is responsible for promoting Show attendance and publicizing the Show in his or her assigned county. Counties may plan Go Texan events specifically to promote the Show or other promotional activities including the distribution of Show posters and scholarship applications. Each county is required to submit a portfolio demonstrating these events and activities that are held within the county.
Are scholarships awarded to local students?
To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must:
- Have been a Walker County Resident for the past two (2) years and must attend an accredited High School/Home School.
- Have a minimum overall grade-point average of 2.5
- Have been accepted for admission to an accredited post-secondary institution.
- Have volunteered and assisted 3 hours per year for a total of 6 hours over a 2 year period with the Walker County Area Go Texan Committee (events include, but are not limited to the Annual Crawfish Boil, Huntsville Fair on the Square, and the Clay Shoot) and volunteered an additional 6 hours in the Walker County community (this can include, but is not limited to SAAFE House, Church functions, Good Shepherd Mission). Contact the Walker County Area Go Texan Ambassador or Committee Members to inquire about events.
It is not required to be involved in FFA, 4-H or the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (HLSR) to be considered for the Walker County Area Go Texan Scholarship.
Tell us about your fundraising activities.
(And now to our taste bud tingling word, Crawfish!) We are known for our annual Crawfish Boil! It has become our main fundraiser since its start in 1995 by Jerry Ellisor. It is slated this year for May 7, 2016, beginning at 5:00 pm at the Walker County Fairgrounds. The ticket price is $35 for “ALL YOU CAN EAT!” Tickets are available as pre-sale only, or individuals and groups may sponsor tables for this event. As Sherry Hirsch explains, “Your best experience is at the KING CRAWDADDY TABLES! Here you get personalized service from our students who keep the food coming!” Tickets are sold as follows:
- King Crawdaddy Tables: These are VIP sponsored tables at the cost of $500 per table. Full service for 8 is provided by students who will serve your table throughout the event. Signage will be provided indicating sponsorship of the table.
- Tables of 8: These are purchased by individuals for the cost of $250. Sponsor a table and invite your family and friends to join you!
- Individual Tickets: Ticket cost per person is $35 and are available for pre-sale only. Contact Teresa Ringo at (936) 662-0211 to purchase.
When asked if the food products are donated for this event, Teresa indicated that in the past they have not been donated, but it sure would help. As she said, “That would be a wonderful way for a person or group to participate!”
What other projects do you sponsor?
Tell us about the prize quilt WCAGT sponsored at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
We had the honor to sponsor a quilt in this year’s HLSR Go Texan event that won the Blue Ribbon and Best of Show in the Walker County Fair for the 2015 season. “Route 66,” quilted by Huntsville’s Helen Belcher, won First Place in the Pictorial Quilt Division at this year’s HLSR. The quilt’s subject, Route 66, brings back fond memories for Helen, who grew up in the plains of Lubbock, not far from this landmark roadway. It is a design by artist and quilter Meg Hawkey of Crabapple Hill Studio, which Helen modified by incorporating into the design her own family memories. Texas license plates with family dates, Texaco Oil Cans, and other motifs portraying family memories were worked into the quilt design, which took her about 6 months to lovingly stitch together.
Over the past 15 years, Helen has produced almost 50 quilts, many of which have been donated for various causes or to people special to her family. As she shares her reasons for making this quilt, she reminds us that quilts were a necessity in the past. They provided warmth for babies, a wrapping for the deceased, and privacy between rooms in a house, to list a few. Today, for the most part, they are an avenue by which we keep our most cherished memories alive, or are made as gifts for those special to us. Helen is very active in the local quilting guild and was thrilled to be able to bring recognition to our WCAGT and Walker County.
As we have seen, the Walker County Area Go Texan committee is one very busy group of 15, who, throughout the year with hard work and dedication, support the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and help to provide local scholarships for deserving young people in our county. As Debbie Allen put it, “We believe that serving the community is important and that’s why we are involved in this fulfilling endeavor.” You can stay informed by going to the Walker County Area Go Texan Facebook page. Support WCAGT by attending the Crawfish Boil and supporting their other fundraisers in any way you can! GO TEXAN!
Annual Crawfish Boil
Saturday, May 7, 2016
Walker County Fair Grounds
Contact Information:
(936) 662-0211 (Teresa)
wcgotexan@yahoo.com