Visit the Frank Buck Zoo during the weekday mornings for smaller crowds and more opportunities to interact with the animals.

🍋 Sweet Support for Our Leopard Legends

You may spot a few smiling faces around town selling chocolate (and even lemonade!) — and now you know the story behind it 💛

These young dancers are part of the Leopard Legends Hip Hop Dance Group, made up of students from Chalmers Elementary and Intermediate, and they’re currently fundraising for upcoming dance competitions in Denton and San Antonio.

Every bar of chocolate helps cover travel, uniforms, and competition costs — and you can support them even if you don’t catch them out and about!

🍫 Fundraiser chocolate is available inside Cowgirl Mercantile through January 16. 419 N Commerce St Gainesville TX 

Supporting these girls means supporting hometown pride, confidence, and some seriously talented future performers — and we LOVE to see it.

If you want to donate to the Leopard Legends click here and lets get these girls to their dreams yall! 

🚧 Leonard Park Exit Closure Update

If you’re heading to Leonard Park or the Frank Buck Zoo, heads up — the Leonard Park exit to California/FM-51 is currently closed while TxDOT crews work in the area.

Good news:
The entrance to the park and zoo is still open, but visitors will need to exit using the I-35 frontage road for the next week or so.

⏳ Please allow extra travel time and plan your route accordingly.

Thanks for your patience — and spread the word so no one gets surprised at the barricades!

🏆 Downtown Shoutout

Goodies on Commerce Named Business of the Month

Huge downtown congrats are in order! 🎉
Goodies on Commerce was just named the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Month, and if you’ve ever stepped foot in their shop… you already know why. From gift-giving to feel-good finds, they’ve become one of downtown’s favorite go-to stops — and we love seeing local businesses getting their flowers.

📍 Downtown Gainesville

🎨 Get Creative This January

Watercolor with Pam Burns

Ready to try something new in the new year?
Vantage Point Art Gallery is hosting Watercolor with Pam Burns — a relaxed, beginner-friendly art class that’s perfect whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or brushing up on old skills.

🗓 Tuesdays: January 6, 13, 20 & 27
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 107 W California St, Gainesville

🧁 Business Update

Sweet Jayne’s Returns to Tues–Sat Schedule

Sweet Jayne’s is officially back to their regular Tuesday–Saturday hours.
They tested opening Mondays, but are shifting back to make sure their small team can keep bringing you the quality (and treats 👀) you love.

Stop by, show them some love, and keep supporting our local sweet spot!

🏫 School Calendar Reminders

Important January Dates for GISD Families

Parents, here are a few key dates to have on your radar:

• Students return — Tuesday, January 6
• Instructional Day — Monday, January 12
• MLK Holiday — Monday, January 19
• Intervention Day — Monday, January 26

(Attendance may be required on Intervention Day — watch for notices.)

🤠 Live Music Night

Texas Zephyrs Live at The County Seat

Dust off those boots — honky-tonk night is coming to downtown!
The Texas Zephyrs are bringing classic country dance music to The County Seat Kitchen & Cocktails for a night of live tunes and good vibes.

🗓 Saturday, January 10
⏰ 9:00 PM
📍 105 W California St, Gainesville

💗 Calling All Vendors

Galentine’s Gala Vendor Call

Self-love, fun, and positive vibes — yes please 💕
Social Spot Event Studio is now accepting vendors for their Galentine’s Gala — a fun, high-energy Valentine-style shopping and experience event.

🗓 Saturday, February 7
⏰ 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Whitesboro
💲 Booth Fee: $60 + raffle item
📧 hello@socialspoteventstudio.com

🎁 Local Boutique Giveaway

Out With the Old, In With the New Giveaway

Gainesville Area Curbside is hosting a HUGE local boutique giveaway featuring gift cards from:

Bella Bliss Boutique
Bungalow 123
Harper Jane Boutique
Infinity Raine
The Cowgirl Mercantile
The Twisted Hanger

Six winners will be selected — perfect excuse to refresh your closet 👀
Contest runs through January 14, with winners announced January 15.

📚 Book Lovers, This One’s For You

Fantasy Book Club at Cooke County Library

Love fantasy worlds, magic, and epic reads?
Cooke County Library’s adult book club is diving into the Fantasy Genre this January — and you get to choose what you read.

🗓 Tuesday, January 20
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Library Meeting Room

🏗 Business Update

Bungalow 123 Temporarily Closed for Renovation

Bungalow 123 is temporarily closed while they give their historic building some much-needed TLC.
They’ll be closed January 4 – February 8, but their online shop is open 24/7 if you need your fix.

🌐 bungalow123.com

🗳️ Vote Now: 2026 Chamber Awards Are Open

The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce has officially opened public voting for their 2026 Annual Chamber Awards — and yes, anyone can vote!

These awards recognize the local businesses that go above and beyond for our community, and several downtown favorites are on the ballot.

Small Member of the Year Nominees:

• 4U Credit Union
• Goodies on Commerce
• Infinity Raine

Large Member of the Year Nominees:

• Chick-fil-A Gainesville
• North Central Texas College
• Trident Process Systems, LLC

🗓 Voting closes Sunday, January 11 at 5 PM
📲 Voting is open to the public — every click counts!

Make sure your favorite local businesses get the recognition they deserve!

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