Hey y’all,

Before we jump into this week’s events and happenings, we want to share something powerful about the impact of shopping local.

When you spend money at a locally owned business, that dollar doesn’t leave town — it continues working right here in our community. Studies show that roughly $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in the local economy, supporting wages, rent, supplies, and local services. When that same $100 is spent at large chain retailers, less than half typically remains in the community.

That means your purchase at a local boutique, café, service provider, or market doesn’t just buy a product — it helps support jobs, strengthens families, funds community services, and keeps our downtown thriving.

Every dollar spent locally creates a ripple effect that benefits all of us.

Now, let’s take a look at what’s happening around town this week.

Visit the Frank Buck Zoo during their feeding times to get up close and personal with the animals.

This newsletter is sponsored by the Cowgirl Mercantile 

Come into the Cowgirl Mercantile for the best gifts for the cowgirls in your life at

419 N Commerce St Gainesville, TX, Tues-Sat 11am-6pm

🥞 FEATURED THIS WEEK

Pancakes & Mimosas at Cowgirl Mercantile

Start your Saturday slow, cozy, and delicious at Cowgirl Mercantile.

We’re turning the shop into the perfect weekend hangout with fresh mini pancakes, mimosas, shopping, and an easygoing atmosphere that feels like catching up with friends.

✨ Fresh mini pancake pop-up

🥂 Mimosas while you browse

🛍 Shop new arrivals & local favorites

💛 Relaxed morning with friends

📸 Perfect girls’ morning photo ops

Whether you come solo, meet a friend, or turn it into a Saturday tradition, this is your excuse to slow down and enjoy the morning.

📍 Cowgirl Mercantile

419 N Commerce St, Gainesville

🗓 Saturday

🕚 Starts at 11 AM

Come hungry. Stay awhile. Leave happy.

🚒 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Valley View Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry & Fundraiser

The Valley View Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their 6th Annual Fishin’ for Funds fundraiser — and it directly supports the brave volunteers who serve our community.

Last year alone, VVFD responded to 586 calls, making them the busiest volunteer department in Cooke County.

Your attendance helps fund equipment, training, and lifesaving services.

🗓 Friday, February 27

⏰ 5 PM – 10 PM

📍 Gardenia Wedding & Event Center, Valley View

🎣 Fish fry dinner

🎟 Raffles & games

🔨 Live auction

🎶 Live concert entertainment

Come out for great food, a fun evening, and a meaningful cause.

🎭 LIVE THEATER RETURNS TO GAINESVILLE

Southern Fried Funeral at Butterfield Stage

If you love sharp humor, Southern charm, and family drama that hits close to home, this show is a must-see.

This heartfelt Southern comedy follows a family navigating chaos, grief, and hilarious dysfunction after the passing of Dewey Frye. Packed with colorful characters and laugh-out-loud moments, it’s a celebration of Southern manners, traditions, and family ties — no matter how tangled they get.

🗓 Show Dates:

• Feb 27 — 7 PM

• Feb 28 — 7 PM

• March 5 — 7 PM

• March 6 — 7 PM

• March 7 — 7 PM

• March 8 — 2:30 PM

📍 Butterfield Stage

201 S Denton St, Gainesville

🎟 Tickets available now

📞 Box Office: 940-665-8152

A perfect date night, girls’ night, or evening out supporting local arts.

🎤 FRIDAY NIGHT FUN

Cowboys & Ken Karaoke at VFW Post 1922

Looking for a laid-back, fun Friday night?

Grab your boots, bring your friends, and enjoy karaoke, laughs, and good company.

🗓 February 21

⏰ 8 PM – Midnight

📍 VFW Post 1922

3332 N Grand Ave, Gainesville

Whether you sing or just cheer others on, it’s guaranteed entertainment.

🎉 COMMUNITY WELLNESS EVENT

New Year, New You Health Fair

Kick off 2026 feeling your best at this free health and wellness event hosted by ABBA Women’s Center.

🗓 Saturday, February 28

⏰ 9 AM – Noon

📍 First State Bank Conference Center

837 E California St

✨ Guest speakers

✨ Local wellness resources

✨ Health & lifestyle information

A great opportunity to learn, connect, and invest in your wellbeing.

🍤 AREA EVENT WORTH THE DRIVE

Sacred Heart Alumni Crawfish Boil – Muenster

If you love crawfish, live music, and a lively crowd, this annual event is worth the short drive.

🗓 February 28

⏰ 5:01 PM – Midnight

📍 301 N Ash St, Muenster

🦞 All-you-can-eat crawfish, shrimp & catfish

🎶 Live music

🍻 Cold drinks & great atmosphere

Tickets: $75 advance / $100 at the door

18+ event

☕ LOCAL BUSINESS UPDATE

Sweet Jayne’s Bakeshop Expands Menu

Sweet Jayne’s is bringing more of what you love — and adding new options:

🥤 Larger iced drink sizes

🍬 Expanded sugar-free menu

🍵 New green tea options

🧁 Fresh baked goods & flavors

Stop by this week and try something new!

🍔 DOWNTOWN FAVORITE

County Seat Kitchen & Cocktails

If you’ve never stopped in, County Seat blends big-city lounge energy with Gainesville hospitality.

🍔 Wings, burgers & signature cocktails

🍻 Tuesday Tipsy Trivia nights

🏃 County Seat Run Club meets Mondays at 6 PM

→ Stay after the run for ½ off an appetizer + $1 off drinks

A great place to meet friends, unwind, and enjoy downtown.

🀄 MAHJONG & SOCIAL NIGHTS

Mahjong Open Play at Landon’s Winery

🗓 March 10

⏰ 6:30 PM

💲 $20 per player

🍷 Snacks & prizes included

Perfect for experienced players looking for a social evening of tiles, wine, and fun.

Dot & Bam Mahjong Studio Grand Opening

📍 101 W Broadway

🗓 March 5

• Grand Opening

• Open Play at 6 PM

🗓 March 12 — Tile Time 101 Class

🗓 March 19 — Open Play Night

🗓 March 27 — Date Night Mahjong

A new social activity hub downtown!

🎨 CREATIVE & ARTS EVENTS

Mixed Media with Pam Burns

🗓 Saturday at 3 PM

📍 Vantage Point Art Gallery

Watercolor Workshop (4-Class Series)

🗓 Begins March 3 at 10 AM

Mixed Media with Cheryl Haas

🗓 March 15

Creative classes are a relaxing way to connect and try something new.

✈️ COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING

Gainesville Airport Master Plan Workshop

Ever wondered what the future of our municipal airport could look like?

🗓 February 26

⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM

📍 Gainesville Civic Center

Review draft concepts and help guide future planning.

👮 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Citizens Police Academy Waitlist Open

Want a behind-the-scenes look at local law enforcement?

Add your name to the waitlist for the next Citizens Police Academy session and learn how our department operates and serves the community.

🚂 JOB OPPORTUNITY

Frankie Schmitz Express Train Conductor

The city is hiring seasonal train conductors.

Great opportunity for students or anyone wanting hands-on experience in teamwork and leadership while serving the community.

🍷 SAVE THE DATE

Gainesville Wine & Art Stroll

🗓 April 18

⏰ 1–5 PM

🍷 Wine tastings across downtown

🎶 Live music & shopping

🎨 Local artists

Early bird tickets available through March 15.

Artists & makers can still apply through Feb 28.

❤️ WHY SHOWING UP MATTERS

Every event you attend, every local shop you visit, and every fundraiser you support strengthens our community.

Small towns don’t stay vibrant by accident — they thrive because people show up.

We’ll see you around the square.

— Gainesville Gazette

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