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It's a great week to be in Gainesville!
It's a great week to be in Gainesville!
So many good things going on in our community this week!
Sarah Brock
Nov 18, 2025
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Northern Lights over Gainesville |
North Texas got a rare treat this week when the northern lights shimmered across the sky — painting Gainesville and nearby towns in shades of pink and purple! Locals couldn’t believe their eyes as the aurora danced above homes and farms, turning an ordinary night into something magical. If you missed it, don’t worry — we’ve rounded up a few local photos that capture the beauty of that once-in-a-lifetime sight. It’s a great reminder of how much beauty surrounds us, even right here in our small-town skies. 💫 |
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🎨 Students Spruce Up Leonard Park |
Big shoutout to the talented members of the National Art Honor Society and National Honor Society for spending the day beautifying Leonard Park! Under the direction of Mr. Hill, Mr. Glover, and Mrs. Perkins, these students rolled up their sleeves to refresh one of Gainesville’s favorite family spots. Their hard work shows how much heart our local youth have for keeping our community beautiful. 💚🌳 |
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Cooke County Cowboy Church Wraps Up Their Fall Play Day Series with Heartfelt Final Event |
Yesterday marked the final Play Day of the Fall Series at Cooke County Cowboy Church, and it was a beautiful ending to a season full of growth, grit, and good memories. Kids from all over the community came together for one last round of riding, racing, cheering each other on—and showing just how far they’ve come since the first Play Day in September. From leadline riders to teens confidently competing in barrels, poles, flags, and the Mystery Event, families were able to watch their children’s skills and confidence blossom throughout the series. Devotions on horseback, patriotic flag presentations, and plenty of smiles made each Play Day feel meaningful and uniquely Cooke County. A huge thank-you goes out to the many volunteers and leaders who dedicate countless hours to making these events possible—setting up, cleaning up, organizing classes, offering devotions, and creating a welcoming environment for every young rider. If you or your family want to get involved in future events, keep an eye on the Cooke County Cowboy Church Arena Facebook page for Spring Play Day dates and additional activities. The church regularly hosts community-centered gatherings, youth events, and opportunities for families to connect. And as always, everyone is invited to Sunday service at 10 AM. Cooke County Cowboy Church welcomes all ages, all experience levels, and anyone who wants to be part of a warm, Christ-centered community.
8207 US-82, Gainesville, TX, United States, Texas |
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If you’ve ever pulled your kid out of their car seat only to find a fossilized french fry, a mystery stain, or enough crumbs to stock a small pantry… you’re not alone. Modern parents juggle school drop-offs, work, errands, and endless to-dos — deep-cleaning a stroller or car seat usually falls to the bottom of the list. That’s why services like EjSugars Tidy Tushies matter more than you’d ever expect. It’s not about making baby gear look pretty; it’s about giving parents one less thing to stress over in a world where everything already feels urgent. What sets this service apart is the relief it creates. Parents don’t have to wrestle with straps, manual instructions, or impossible-to-remove covers — they can just hand it off and get back a stroller or seat that looks and smells brand-new. It means fewer germs, fewer allergens, fewer “sticky surprises,” and a safer, more comfortable ride for little ones. And for busy families, convenience isn’t a luxury — it’s survival. Knowing your child’s gear is clean, safe, and handled by someone who actually follows the manufacturer guidelines takes a huge weight off a parent’s plate. In a world where everything feels rushed, this kind of service quietly gives families a reset. Fresh gear, smoother mornings, less mental load. Sometimes the best parenting hacks aren’t the flashy ones — they’re the ones that give you back time, sanity, and just a little bit of breathing room. If deep cleaning on your baby gear is something that you needed like yesterday... click the here |
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The United States Mint hosted a ceremonial strike for the final production of the circulating one-cent coin in Philadelphia. This event marks the end of the penny's production after being in circulation for over 200 years. The Mint will continue to produce pennies for collectors and numismatists, but they will no longer be distributed as a circulating coin. The decision to cease production of the penny was made due to the rising cost of production and its decreasing purchasing power. Read More... |
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Frito-Lay announced that they are releasing new snack products, including Cheetos and Doritos, that are made without artificial colors or flavors. The new snacks, called Simply Cheetos Puffs White Cheddar and Simply Doritos White Cheddar, are targeted towards health-conscious consumers who are looking for cleaner ingredient options. Frito-Lay is responding to growing consumer demand for natural and healthier snack options by removing artificial ingredients from their popular snack brands. Read More... |
Heads up yall! |
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Holiday Coat Drive: Warm Hearts, Warm Coats |
As temperatures drop, the Gainesville Education Foundation is stepping up to help local families in need through their Holiday Coat Drive. From November 3–28, you can donate new or gently used winter coats to help keep students warm this season. Drop-off locations include several GISD campuses—Edison, Chalmers, and the Intermediate School—as well as the Dry Clean Super Center on E. California Street. Every coat makes a difference, and this simple act of kindness can help a child or family stay warm all winter long. |
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🎁 Christmas Toy Drive – Donations Needed Through Nov. 28th |
The Overland Hotel and 18 Sixty Restaurant & Bar have teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of Cooke County to help bring a little extra Christmas cheer to children right here in our community. They’re accepting NEW, unwrapped toys now through Friday, November 28th, and every single donation stays local. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season, this is an easy and impactful place to start. ❤️ 📍 Drop-off anytime: |
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Learn a little something about Gainesville |
🕯️ The Mystery of Dolly Rodger: A Forgotten Piece of Cooke County History |
Here’s a little local mystery for y’all — decades ago, a rancher in Mountain Springs uncovered an old sandstone headstone while plowing the field. The only clue? The name Dolly Rodger carved by hand, with no date or inscription. No records tied her to the property, but recent findings suggest a Dollie (or Dolly) Rodgers married a man named C.E. Dickerson in Cooke County back in 1924. So how did a headstone with her maiden name end up miles away, on someone else’s ranch? Was it a family marker? A misplaced memorial? Or something older entirely from the early settler days? No one knows for sure — but it’s one of those fascinating little mysteries that keeps Cooke County history alive. 🪶 |
Gainesville Happenings |
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Gainesville Wine & Country Festival |
Save the date for Saturday, November 22, 2025, when Historic Downtown Gainesville transforms into the heart of Texas charm! The Gainesville Wine & Country Festival will bring together the best of Texas wineries, live music, food trucks, and local shopping for an unforgettable day out. Whether you’re a wine lover, a live-music regular, or just looking for a great excuse to stroll the square with friends, this is one of Gainesville’s most anticipated events of the year. 🎟️ We’re giving away 2 FREE tickets to the festival, sponsored by the City of Gainesville! |
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The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its next Knowledge NOW Luncheon on Wednesday, November 19th, featuring Mayor Tommy Moore. This quarterly luncheon gives locals and business owners the chance to hear the latest updates, growth plans, and developments shaping Gainesville’s rapid expansion. Lunch is provided, and today is the final day to reserve your table or grab tickets. If you want to stay informed about what’s ahead for our city, this is the place to be. |
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We’ve got a full week of fun, creativity, and community coming up — but every single workshop requires a pre-ordered ticket. There will be no tickets sold at the door, so make sure you grab yours early! 🎨 Tuesday, Nov 18 – Card Painting Workshop 🧪 Wednesday, Nov 19 – Slime Making Night 🧀 Friday, Nov 21 – Charcuterie Board Class 🍷 Friday, Nov 21 – Wine & Shop 💻 Saturday, Nov 22 – Build Your Business Online Workshop 👇 One link gets you access to all event tickets: Events – Cowgirl Mercantile |
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Fall Ladies Night in Downtown Gainesville |
Grab your best girlfriends and head to Historic Downtown Gainesville for Fall Ladies Night on Thursday, November 20th from 4–8 PM! Enjoy an evening of shopping, small-town charm, seasonal specials, and festive fall vibes as local businesses open their doors for a fun night out. It’s the perfect chance to support local shops, snag early holiday gifts, and enjoy a cozy evening downtown. Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/672217112178302 |
🎄 Christkindle Market in Muenster – November 29th |
If you’re looking to kick off the holidays in true small-town German-Texas style, the Christkindle Market in Muenster is happening on November 29th. Enjoy a full day of festive fun: ✨ Christkindle Market opens at 10 AM Think twinkling lights, artisan vendors, warm drinks, and all the cozy holiday magic Muenster is known for. |
Business News |
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🎉 Welcome to Gainesville’s Newest Businesses! |
On November 14th, Gainesville celebrated two exciting ribbon cuttings, officially welcoming new businesses to our growing community. ✂️ Grindstone Fit Club ✂️ NextGen Airworks Let’s give both businesses a big Gainesville welcome and show them some hometown support! |
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A Fond Farewell: Gilbert Wrecker Service |
After 30 years of serving our community, Bobby and Heather Gilbert are officially retiring from Gilbert Wrecker Service. Bobby has also spent 15 of those years operating B&T Automotive, building a reputation for honesty, hard work, and dependability. Due to ongoing medical challenges, the Gilberts have sold their business and are passing the torch to Jace and Erica, who will continue providing the same reliable service Gainesville has counted on for decades. Bobby and Heather would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all their loyal customers for years of unwavering support. |
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