From the return of a Panhandle tradition to new resources for families and volunteer firefighters, several developments are underway across the region. Here’s a quick look at three stories making news in Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle.
Tri-State Fair Returns With Food, Entertainment and $25,000 Scholarship
The Tri-State Fair is back in Amarillo, bringing 10 days of rides, games, live entertainment and fair food for families. Organizers say visitors will find new food options this year, including a pickle dog from Sue Sue’s All About Bacon.
The fair will also give away a $25,000 scholarship, according to Tri-State Fair and Rodeo Manager and Public Relations Manager Lauren Fritzler. Live music and other entertainment are included with daily admission.
Organizers are reminding visitors that the fair has a clear bag policy. Police will be on site throughout the event to help keep fairgoers safe.
Family Village Cabins Arrive at Transformation Park
Cabins for the Street Center Family Village have been delivered, bringing the project closer to providing transitional housing for unhoused families with children. The village will have space to serve 12 families, including men, women, new parents and children.
Families will receive private housing, ongoing support, case management and individualized plans designed to help them work toward greater stability and self-reliance. The program aims to help families increase income and employment stability, improve physical and mental health, strengthen educational stability for children and eventually obtain permanent housing.
The Joe and Laura Street Day Center at Transformation Park is scheduled to open in November. Officials expect the Family Village to open in late fall.
Panhandle Volunteer Fire Departments Awarded $655,000 in Grants
The Texas A&M Forest Service has awarded $655,000 in grants to volunteer fire departments across the Panhandle through its Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Happy, Dalhart, Fritch and Lake Tanglewood volunteer fire departments and the Stratford Fire Department each received $25,000 for fire and rescue equipment.
The Lipscomb Volunteer Fire Department and Memphis Fire Department each received $265,000 for large brush trucks. The assistance program provides funding to nonprofit volunteer departments for firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry hydrants and training.
