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Angelina College Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Hey, sports fans,

Our soccer teams did a whole lot of traveling this week, our softball team hosted a Sunday doubleheader and the baseball team took some deserved time off. We’ll have AC athletes working this week’s “Dinner at the Diamond” ceremony this Saturday (Sept. 28) at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. 

In addition, both Angelina College basketball teams released their 2024-2025 schedules. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s events, along with what’s coming up next: 

Roadrunner Soccer Splits Road Matches

The No. 5 Roadrunners on Tuesday traveled to Tyler to face the No. 9 Apaches, and the ‘Runners came up short in a 1-0 loss.

It was the first regular-season loss for the Roadrunners since Oct. 22, 2022. 

AC’s guys bounced back with a convincing 2-0 win at Blinn College on Friday, with Abdallah Traore and Eldon Reneau each tallying unassisted goals. 

The ‘Runners on Tuesday will host non-conference foe Ranger College, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. AC then will play host to conference rival Coastal Bend Community College on Friday, with the kickoff again scheduled for 7 p.m. 

Both of this week’s matches will be live-streamed on TSBN Sports.

Lady Roadrunners Fall at Tyler, Rebound at Blinn College

AC’s ladies went up against yet another nationally ranked team on Tuesday, traveling to face the No. 4 Tyler Junior College Lady Apaches. The Lady ‘Runners again battled hard, only to come up short in a 2-0 loss. It was their third straight loss to highly regarded teams by the same 2-0 score. 

But the Lady Roadrunners showed some growth on Friday, taking down the Blinn College Lady Buccaneers by a 3-1 final. Estephany Aguilar scored once and assisted on Camila Rico’s goal in just the third minute, and Paula Suarez added an unassisted score in the 43rd minute.

With Friday’s win over the Lady Bucs, the Lady ‘Runners (3-4, 3-3) moved into first place in the Region XIV South Zone.

AC on Friday will host LSU-Eunice in a match scheduled for a 5 p.m. start. 

The new-Look Website is Up and Running

If you haven’t given it a peep already, check out our new-look website (www.angelinaathletics.com). While we’re proud of the result, we’re also still working to build some key components, and those will take some time. In addition, we’ve already encountered some minor (and expected) glitches, but we’re working through those as quickly as we can. 

In the meantime, we’re thoroughly enjoying the cool new look along with the easier-to-navigate pages. 

We’d love to hear your feedback. Feel free to email Sports Information Director Gary Stallard (gstallard@angelina.edu) or Manager of Athletics Operations Brett Reeves (mareeves@angelina.edu) with your comments. 

Baseball at Temple College This Week

Following last weekend’s intense “Round Robin Tournament” held at home, the Roadrunners took some time off this past week.

Next up for the ‘Runners is a road trip to Temple College on Friday in a game scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.

AC Basketball Schedules Now Available

We may be several weeks away from the opening tip for basketball season, but both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners can now boast of having their schedules posted and ready to rock.

The women’s and men’s schedules are available at www.angelinaathletics.com. 

The Lady Roadrunners will host a home scrimmage against Jarvis College at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Shands Gymnasium. AC’s ladies will open the regular season on the road at the McLennan Classic scheduled for Nov. 1 and 2. The Lady Roadrunners then host their first home game at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6 against Hill College. 

On the men’s side, the Roadrunners will spend some scrimmage time in Fort Worth for the JUCO Jamboree (Oct. 11-12) and at the GASO Jamboree in Carrollton (Oct. 20). 

AC’s men open the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 2 against Strength ‘N Motion in a game scheduled for a 4 p.m. start. 

Live Streaming Reminder: 

All AC Athletics regular-season home games will be live-streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)

Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics website, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link. 

TSBN also offers an app great for smartphones, devices, and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)

Reminder: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free. Any link offering streaming for a fee is a scam. 

Upcoming schedules:

Tuesday, September 24: 

No. 5 Roadrunner Soccer vs. Ranger College, 7 p.m., Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.

Friday, Sept. 27: 

Lady Roadrunner Soccer vs. LSU-Eunice, 5 p.m., Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.

No. 5 Roadrunner Soccer vs. Coastal Bend CC, 7 p.m., Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.

Roadrunner Baseball at Temple College, 1 p.m. in Temple, TX. 

For any other information, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu. 

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

Lady Beetles Seen Inside and Outside

By
Cary Sims
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I saw a few of these bugs in the last couple of weeks. One was in my home. Our pointing, bird-dog will often ‘point’ insects that get into our old home and she found one on the ceiling in the living room. Later, I was in a field of millet outside Huntington and found a couple in the nearly-grown stalks. 

As we slowly transition into fall and winter, the Asian lady beetles will stop their foraging outside and make their annual move into protected areas to spend the winter. And your home is a great place for them to go.

Lady beetles have been considered one of our most beloved insects.  Most people grew up calling them lady “bugs”, but there is no need to split hairs on the exact term. They are in stories, a good luck charm for some, and kids dress up as them for Halloween. 

Lady beetles are insects that are absolutely beneficial.  They are not invading structures over the winter to cause problems, only to stay warm.  The lady beetle does not chew or bore holes in walls nor do they eat carpet or any food in the pantry. Look closely and you’ll find them in garden sheds, RV’s, and deer stands. 

If you don’t remember seeing as many growing up, your memory is absolutely correct. There is a native lady beetle that is harder to locate and a multitude of non-native ladybug insects that are native to Asia but in the past few decades have spread to many areas of the United States. 

This beneficial (yet sometimes controversial) Asian relative was released in the United States as early as 1916.  More were released in the late 1970’s and again in the early 1980’s.  It has taken years for the populations to spread, but now large populations are found in many areas of the south.

The lady beetle is an effective and natural control for harmful plant pests such as aphids, scales, and other soft-bodied arthropods.  One adult lady beetle may eat over 5,000 aphids during its lifetime.

Adult lady beetles can have a variety of colors and spots. The larvae are soft-bodied, gray and orange, and covered with rows of black spots.

While they cause no harm, their overwintering habits inside people’s homes cause them to be a nuisance. A few folks ask if they bite.  Well, they do in a sense. Lady beetles have mandibles, a jaw-like part of their mouth that they use to capture and eat their prey.  And while they are not out to bite (like a fire-ant) or sting (like a hornet), they can certainly give someone a good pinch on the skin with those mandibles.

The lady beetle also has a defense mechanism.  If agitated or disturbed, the beetle’s reaction is to “reflex” bleed in which a yellow fluid with an unpleasant odor is released from the leg joints.  This reaction helps prevent predators, such as birds, from eating the lady beetle.  

And yes, this fluid can sometimes stain walls and fabrics.

The lady beetle is attracted to lighter colors such as whites, grays, and yellows.  They enter homes through cracks and crevices.  During warm winter days and early spring, the lady beetle may become more active in searching for an exit.

No real control of these beneficial insects is warranted as it is for termites or destructive insects. Homeowners can prevent them from entering the home by caulking exterior cracks and crevices.  The only “control measures” for them would be sweeping and vacuuming them up to release them back outside.

Lady beetles can have a variety of colors and spots.  All of these insects are beneficial.
This is the larvae of a lady bug and should not be “controlled”. This larvae should be left alone to feed upon aphids and other soft bodied arthropods in your landscape and garden. (Photo: 2014 Patrick Murray)

Texas Forestry Museum’s Fall Festival & I-Spy Halloween Trail

By
Misty Boggs
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Lufkin – The Texas Forestry Museum invites you and your family to Fall Festival. On Friday, October 4th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm the museum will have a photo booth, a craft, and cotton candy for the whole family to enjoy. Also, there will be plenty of fun fall games for the kids such as pick a pop, plinko, pumpkin ring toss, and more. The event is free to the public. The event is sponsored by Walmart and Raven Environmetal Services. Photos will be taken at the event for promotional materials. 

Also, the museum will have its I-Spy Halloween Trail again this year. Families are invited to hunt for Halloween characters and win fun prizes. It will be available starting on Saturday, October 19th through Tuesday, October 31st during museum hours. This is a free event, and we hope to see your family there! 

The Texas Forestry Museum, a private non-profit organization, is located at 1905 Atkinson Dr. in Lufkin. We are open from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, except major holidays. For more information on the Texas Forestry Museum and its scheduled events, please call 936-632-9535 or visit our website at www.treetexas.com.

Drug-Free All Stars Meet with Lufkin Parks and Recreation

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Front row, from left to right: Alexis Pelletier, Alexandrea Foy, Kate Amend, Ariel Webb, and Kennedi Peters. Second row, from left to right: Dyanna Torres, Rocio Arredondo, Jazlyn Gurrola, Madison Watson, Elaina Day, Miley, McHaney, Makenzi Delaney, and Sierra Havard. Third row, from left to right: Joeana Alvarez, Emily Ramos, Addison Aguilar, Keyla Contreras, Hailey Lovelady, Isis Luna, Ashlyn Wells, Lynzie Thompson, Savoy Burton, Caelyn Ford, and Heyde Serrano. Fourth row, from left to right: Rudy Flores, Marco Andrade, Sergio Jimenez, Evan McElroy, Savannah Brightwell, Samantha Nichols, Alexandra Molina, Addison LaCount, Madison LaCount, and Rigoberto Bautista. Back row, left to right: Zack Hernandez, Kendrick Butler Jr., Jaydn Burns, Isaac Gonzalez, Jewelissa Servin, Oscar Cruz, Mateo Gonzalez, Natalie Murray, and Anna Denby.

The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently held their September meeting at Lufkin Parks and Recreation. The Drug-Free All Stars are a group of high school seniors from Angelina County schools that serve as role models for the community by living tobacco, drug, and alcohol-free lives. During their meeting, the Drug-Free All Stars met with Rudy Flores, Deputy Director of Recreation.  Rudy is a previous Drug-Free All Star that talked about the impact of the program on his choice of education leading him to his position and impacting the community today. Special thanks to Rudy for taking the time to meet with the All Stars. To find out more about the Drug-Free All Stars, contact Abby Baker at (936) 634-9308 or by email at abaker@angelinacoalition.org. Visit our website at www.angelinacoalition.org or follow @TheCoalition936 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, in order to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community.

4th Annual Sassafras Festival (San Augustine County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

34th Annual Sassafras Festival in DOWNTOWN San Augustine!

Historic downtown Square
FREE entry

Friday, October 25th- Vendors may start setting up!
Saturday, October 26th-Sassafras Festival and the Rae Estes Outlaw BBQ Association Sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off

Location:
Historic Downtown San Augustine, Texas

This is the LARGEST event held in San Augustine County and we can’t wait to see everyone!

We have arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, kids activities, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, the Classic Car “Shine & Show” and cookers coming to compete in the BBQ Contest….ALL coming from all over Texas and Louisiana to set up and enjoy their weekend in San Augustine County!

Check out out our website https://visitsanaugustinetx.org/ for details or Follow us on FB to stay up to day on all of the festivities and details for this amazing weekend.

For more information contact the chamber at 936-275-3610.

Artist Hudson to ‘Splash the Hippocampus’ in Angelina College Gallery

By
Gary Stallard
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Exhibition Runs Sept. 23 – Oct. 25, Artist’s Reception Sept. 24

Brandon Hudson has found a rather unique way of connecting the past with the present. He does it with his art.

Screenshot

The native Texan and artist takes old slides – yes, those ancient forms of PowerPoint – art professors once used for instructional purposes and added his own touch to convert those old prints into painted canvas. 

Hudson will display his works in a gallery titled “Splash the Hippocampus” scheduled to run in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery from Sept. 23 through Oct. 25. An artist’s reception will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24 in the ACA foyer.

This work, an oil on inket print on canvas titled “Grand Façade, 1972-2023” is an example of artist Brandon Hudson’s works scheduled for display in an upcoming Angelina College Center for the Arts gallery. The exhibition, “Splash the Hippocampus” runs Sept. 23 through Oct. 25, with an artist’s reception scheduled for Sept. 24. (Contributed image)

Hudson’s method includes “sifting through old slide libraries to select and manipulate certain photos that feel like shared memories and uses them to make prints onto canvas.” In doing so, Hudson “transforms them into a bridge of the past and present: from inspirational teaching images of long-ago scenes to a new and present object, now meant to generate a notion of the sublime within one’s own psyche.”

Hudson exhibits his works nationally and has worked in numerous private collections. His recent accolades include a solo show at the President’s Gallery at Texas A&M University-Commerce, a Finalist in the 2022 Texas Photo Society National Photo Award, and group exhibitions at the Masur Museum, the Fort Worth Art Center, the CICA Museum, Marin MOCA, and the Foley Gallery in New York. He also co-curated the exhibition The Language of Perpetual Conditions for the Ronald Silverman Fine Arts Gallery at Cal State LA. In 2016, he received a Working Artist Photography Grant Award.

After residing in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA for 12 years, he now oversees the studios at Texas A&M University-Commerce as the Art Facilities Coordinator and teaches Drawing and Photography courses.

Both the gallery and the reception are open and free to the public. For further information, please contact Le’Anne Alexander at lalexander@angelina.edu.

5 Easy Ways to Save Energy at Home This Fall

By
Lee Allen Miller
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As the vibrant colors of fall start to settle in, temperatures cool down, and our energy needs begin to shift. While summer energy savings might have focused on keeping your home cool, fall presents its own opportunities to cut back on energy use while staying cozy. Here are five easy ways you can save energy at home this fall:

1. Maximize Natural Light

With shorter days and cooler weather, it’s tempting to turn on the lights earlier and keep them on longer. Instead, take advantage of natural daylight by opening your curtains or blinds during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally. You’ll reduce the need for electric lighting and heating, keeping your home brighter and warmer at no extra cost.

2. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

As temperatures drop, drafts can make your home feel chillier, prompting you to crank up the heat. One of the most effective and affordable ways to save energy is by sealing drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulking to block cool air from seeping in and warm air from escaping. This simple fix can lower your heating costs significantly.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat

During fall, it’s smart to adjust your thermostat settings to align with the changing weather. Try lowering the temperature a few degrees, especially at night or when you’re away from home. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save up to 1% on your energy bill. Better yet, install a programmable or smart thermostat to make these adjustments automatic and even more efficient.

4. Service Your HVAC System

Before the cold fully sets in, make sure your heating system is running at peak efficiency. Scheduling an HVAC tune-up ensures that your furnace or heat pump operates smoothly and consumes less energy. Change your air filters regularly, as dirty filters force your system to work harder, using more energy and driving up your utility bill.

5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting

With the fall season comes earlier sunsets and longer nights, meaning you’ll rely on artificial lighting more. Consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. Installing dimmer switches can also allow you to control the brightness and save even more energy.

By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy the beauty of fall while keeping your energy bills in check. Ready to explore more ways to save energy this season? Contact Amerigy Energy today for a free consultation on the best energy-saving tips and electricity plans for your home!  877-631-8875

This article is part of a regular weekly column provided by Amerigy Energy, your trusted partner for residential and commercial energy solutions across East Texas.

Total Transformation: Lufkin’s Hub for Wellness, Energy, and Community Connection

By
Caiden Cruse
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In the heart of Lufkin, Texas, a small business is doing more than just serving health drinks—Total Transformation has become a community beacon for wellness, energy, and connection. Opened in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-run shop has grown into a beloved staple of the Texas Forest Country, offering locals a way to boost their health while building personal relationships.

Through their popular Loaded Teas and a deep-rooted commitment to helping others, Total Transformation has redefined what a nutrition shop can be. We spoke with the owners to hear their incredible story of personal transformation, community support, and their vision for the future.

From Personal Transformation to Community Impact

The name Total Transformation isn’t just about healthy choices—it reflects a personal journey of change. One of the owners shared, “The name came from my husband’s experience—he lost over 160 pounds using the products we now sell. The idea of ‘Total Transformation’ just made sense because it’s what we’ve lived.”

What started as a home delivery service during the pandemic quickly grew into something larger. In November 2020, the couple opened their storefront at 1865 West Frank Avenue, and they’ve been helping locals ever since. Their success has even inspired family members to open independent locations in Center, Texas, and Niagara Falls, New York.

But for them, the heart of their business will always remain in Lufkin, where their mission is to help others live healthier, happier lives.

Loaded Teas: The Energy Boost That’s Taken Lufkin by Storm

When you mention Total Transformation in Lufkin, people inevitably rave about their Loaded Teas. These energy-packed drinks are the shop’s biggest hit, providing customers with a delicious, vitamin-rich way to stay energized throughout the day. With a blend of B1, B7, B12, and C vitamins, these teas have become a go-to for local teachers, professionals, and employees at companies like FedEx and Brookshire Brothers.

“We have regulars who stop by every morning for their Loaded Tea,” the owners say with a smile. “Teachers especially love them because they provide energy without the crash you get from coffee or sugary energy drinks.”

But it’s not just about teas. Total Transformation also offers protein shakes, pre- and post-workout drinks, and other wellness products, making it a one-stop destination for anyone looking to take charge of their health.

A Leap of Faith During the Pandemic

Opening a business during the pandemic was a risky move, but for the owners of Total Transformation, it was a leap they had to take. “The pandemic hit, and my husband had to close his mechanic shop, and I left my job. We needed a way to support our family,” the owners shared.

With no prior experience in running a business, the couple turned to family for advice. “My mother-in-law had been in this industry for over 10 years, and she encouraged us to give it a try. We started making home deliveries, and by November, we had our own shop.”

Despite the initial uncertainty, Total Transformation quickly earned a loyal following, thanks to their friendly service and focus on building relationships. “We didn’t know everything about running a business, but we knew how to treat people well—and that’s been our key to success.”

Empowering Others to Transform Their Lives

Total Transformation isn’t just focused on selling products—they’re committed to empowering others to start their own businesses. The shop has become a training hub for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to distribute health and wellness products, providing mentorship and hands-on support.

“We love helping others build their own businesses,” the owners explain. “It’s so rewarding to see people succeed in growing their customer base and making a difference in their communities.”

Thanks to this support, new distributors are thriving across Texas, helping to expand the reach of Total Transformation’s mission.

A Community-Centered Business

At the core of Total Transformation is a deep connection to the Lufkin community. From sponsoring local sports teams to supporting school programs, the shop is committed to giving back to those who have supported them.

“We sponsor cheer teams, baseball teams, and other local events. We love being part of this town, and we’re grateful to our customers for their support,” the owners say. “We wouldn’t be here without them.”

Total Transformation’s personal touch is evident in every aspect of their business. The owners chose not to install a drive-thru, encouraging customers to come inside, say hello, and feel like they belong. “We greet every customer with a smile, and we try to remember their names. That connection is everything to us.”

Big Dreams for the Future

Looking ahead, the owners have big dreams for the future of Total Transformation. “In the next five to ten years, we hope to open more locations around Lufkin and possibly expand into a bigger space,” they share.

While they’re still working on new ideas, one thing is certain: their commitment to growth and serving their community remains unwavering.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those considering starting their own business, the owners of Total Transformation offer some simple yet powerful advice: “Don’t hesitate—just go for it.”

“When we first signed our lease, we were nervous about committing for three years, but you have to take the risk if you want to grow,” they say. “Now, we’ve renewed for another five years, and we’re excited about what’s to come. If you believe in your business, you’ll find a way.”

A Place of Positivity and Belonging

Total Transformation isn’t just a place for energy drinks and health supplements—it’s a space that offers a sense of belonging. One of the owners shared a touching story about a customer who feels at home in their shop.

“He told us that coming here is a break from the negativity in his life. Our shop gives him a place where he can see smiling faces and feel uplifted. That’s exactly the environment we want to create.”

With every interaction, every Loaded Tea, and every smile, Total Transformation is building a brighter future for Lufkin—one sip at a time.

Total Transformation is located at 1865 West Frank Avenue, Lufkin, TX. Stop by to enjoy their Loaded Teas, protein shakes, and wellness products, and experience the positive energy they’ve created for yourself.

The Ultimate Texas Forest Country Living Tailgating Guide: Everything You Need for the Perfect Game Day

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Football season is finally here, and in the Texas Forest Country, that means one thing—it’s time to tailgate! Whether you’re a die-hard high school football fan or gathering with friends and family for a big college or NFL game, tailgating is an essential part of the football experience in Texas. From grilling to games, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to make your tailgate party a touchdown.

1. Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack

Tailgating in Texas is serious business, and you need to make sure you’re well-prepared for an epic game day. Here’s a checklist of must-have items for any tailgate in the Texas Forest Country region:

  • Coolers: Pack a large cooler with plenty of ice to keep your drinks cold throughout the day.
  • Chairs: Comfortable folding chairs for relaxing between plays.
  • Canopy Tent: Protect your crew from the Texas sun with a sturdy tent or canopy.
  • Portable Grill: A good-quality portable grill is a tailgating staple for all your BBQ needs.
  • Tables: Foldable tables are great for serving food and drinks or playing games.
  • Plates, Cups, and Utensils: Opt for eco-friendly disposables or bring reusable sets to cut down on waste.
  • Trash Bags: Keep your tailgating area clean and respectful with plenty of trash bags.
  • Speakers: Set the mood with music before the game starts.
  • First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, so it’s always good to have a first aid kit handy.

2. The Texas Tailgate Menu: Southern Classics

In Texas, the food is as much a part of tailgating as the game itself. From BBQ to finger foods, here are some tailgating menu ideas that are sure to score points with your guests:

Grill Favorites

  • Brisket Sliders: Smoked brisket on mini buns, served with pickles and BBQ sauce.
  • Jalapeño Poppers: Stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, these are always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Texas-Style Ribs: Slather on your favorite BBQ sauce and grill to perfection.
  • Sausage Links: Easy to grill and perfect for sandwiches or on their own with mustard.
  • Chicken Wings: Marinate in a variety of flavors—buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic—and grill them up crispy.

Side Dishes

  • Potato Salad: A Southern staple, make it loaded with bacon, cheese, and green onions.
  • Coleslaw: Fresh and crunchy, the perfect complement to smoky BBQ.
  • Texas Caviar: A mix of black beans, corn, peppers, and onions, served with tortilla chips.
  • Mac and Cheese: Go extra cheesy for a dish that everyone will love.

Finger Foods

  • Chips and Queso: You can’t go wrong with this Texas classic.
  • Pig in a Blanket: An easy and portable favorite.
  • Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer with a little Texas twist—add some smoked paprika or jalapeño.

Desserts

  • Pecan Pie Bars: Portable, sweet, and filled with Texas pecans.
  • Brownies: Everyone loves chocolate, and they’re easy to grab and eat.

Drinks

  • Sweet Tea: A Texas must.
  • Lemonade: Refreshing and pairs well with BBQ.
  • Beer & Cocktails: For the adults, stock up on local Texas craft beers, and for a Southern twist, mix up a batch of bourbon lemonade or margaritas.

3. Game Day Setup: Make Your Tailgate Stand Out

Set up your tailgate area like a pro with these tips:

  • Decorate in Your Team’s Colors: Show your support with team banners, flags, and tablecloths.
  • Set Up a Snack Station: Keep a table loaded with snacks and drinks so people can graze throughout the day.
  • Create a Seating Area: Arrange chairs around a central table for easy conversation and comfort.
  • Bring Lawn Games: Cornhole, ladder toss, or washers are perfect games to play while waiting for kickoff.

4. Tailgating Games: Keep the Fun Going

Tailgating isn’t just about food—it’s about fun! Keep your guests entertained with these classic tailgating games:

  • Cornhole: A tailgating favorite, set up a cornhole board and see who has the best aim.
  • Ladder Toss: Simple but competitive, this game is great for adults and kids alike.
  • Football Toss: Bring a couple of footballs and challenge your friends to a friendly throwing competition.
  • Giant Jenga: Set up a life-size Jenga set and let the competition begin.

5. Tailgating Safety: Stay Smart on Game Day

While tailgating is all about fun, it’s also important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips to ensure everyone has a great time:

  • Grill Safety: Keep your grill away from the tent and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Stay Hydrated: It can get hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water along with those game day beverages.
  • Don’t Drink and Drive: Always designate a driver or plan for transportation if you’re consuming alcohol.
  • Weather Prep: Texas weather can change in an instant. Be prepared with sunscreen, hats, rain gear, and even blankets for those cooler evenings.

6. Top Tailgating Spots in Texas Forest Country

Tailgating is all about location. Whether you’re gathering in your backyard, at a high school football game, or in a stadium parking lot, here are some top spots to tailgate in Texas Forest Country:

  • Lufkin High School Abe Martin Football Stadium: The home of the Panthers, this is a prime spot for Friday night football tailgating.
  • Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches): If you’re cheering on the Lumberjacks, the tailgating scene here is always lively.
  • Sam Houston State University (Huntsville): Bearkat fans know how to tailgate—join the crowd for some serious game-day festivities.
  • Lake Livingston State Park: Tailgate by the water and enjoy fishing or camping before or after the game.

7. Tailgating Etiquette: Be a Good Neighbor

Make sure your tailgate is fun for everyone by following some simple etiquette rules:

  • Be Considerate: Keep the noise at a reasonable level and be mindful of your neighbors.
  • Share the Grill: If you have extra space on the grill, offer to cook for others.
  • Clean Up: Always leave your tailgating spot cleaner than you found it. Bring plenty of trash bags and recycling bins.

8. Post-Game Party: Keep the Fun Going

The game might be over, but the fun doesn’t have to end. If you’re not ready to call it a day, keep the celebration going with:

  • Post-Game Feast: Bring out the leftovers and let everyone enjoy the food one more time.
  • Campfire Hangout: If you’re tailgating at a park or campground, light a fire and toast marshmallows.
  • Game Recap: Gather around to talk about the game’s highlights and share your favorite moments.

Tailgating in Texas Forest Country is more than just a pre-game activity—it’s a tradition that brings people together to celebrate football, food, and community. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a local game, this guide has everything you need to make your tailgate a winning event. So fire up the grill, grab your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable football season.

For more tips and ideas, follow us at Texas Forest Country Living and share your favorite tailgating moments with the hashtag #TFCLivingTailgate.

Hay Buying Reflections After A Year with Generous Rainfall 

By
Cary Sims
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It’s been a interesting last 12 months for hay producers in our area. Last year at this time, we were in a drought with hay prices easily reaching $100 or more per round bale. This past spring and early summer, this part of the world received rainfall that certainly grew lots of grass, lots of weeds, and made it difficult for many to find a window to cut, cure, and bale hay. 

With a cursory glance at local markets, I’ve found hay prices ranging from $40 to $80 per role. Below I’ll  take some time and put hay purchasing decisions on equal footing. We’ll examine how to price hay equally by weight. When buying hay, I know too many producers that ask about the size of the bale without knowing anything about the weight or its quality. 

It should be stated that folks that buy hay ‘by the ton’ are already where we should be. When you purchase hay by the ton then one really does not care what size the bale is. If you stack a flatbed trailer with 4X4’s or 5X6’s, purchasing by weight is the smartest way to go.

Thus, for the many cattlemen still buy hay by the bale, it seems a nearly impossible task to eyeball a bale of hay and determine the quantity and quality of hay that’s within it. To make it more difficult, you must match the asking price to the other prices for hay that match loosely by bale size. It truly is a daunting task. 

To help us get a better idea of the volume of hay in a bale, let us use some basic equations that we learned in geometry in high school. A round bale is nothing more than a cylinder. The volume of a cylinder is measured as 3.14 times the radius squared times the height of the cylinder (V= π R2 x H). If we apply that to a 4X4 bale of hay, we come up with a volume of 50.27 cubic feet. If you take that same formula and apply it to a 5 by 5 bale of hay, then you come up to 98.18 cubic feet. Surprisingly, a 5X5 bale is indeed double the volume of a 4X4.

For those who are interested and the remainder of the common bale sizes, here are the basic bale sizes:  a 4X4 = 50 cubic feet of hay, a 4X5 = 79, a 4X6 = 113,  5X5 = 98, and 5X6 = 141 cubic feet. 

Research from several universities and commercial sites say that hay density can vary from 9 to 12 pounds per cubic foot. In the bales I have examined, I have seen a very loose bale of hay at just under 9 lbs. per cubic foot and others as high as 11 lbs. per cubic foot.  But for simplicity, I’m going to assume a density of 10 lbs per cubit foot.  At 10 lbs/cubic foot, a 4X4 would be about 500 lbs. and a 5X5 would be just under 1,000 lbs., coming in around 980 lbs.

Even with the assumptions above, using a good set of public scales would be an excellent choice. At a national gas station chain in our town, the first time across the scales to get the weight is $13.50 and the next time is just $4.  So for less than a $20, you can take a full load of hay and then an empty load of hay. Take the difference between the two weights and divide by the number of bales. You’ll then know the average weight of the bales. Bonus tip, fill up your gas tank before each weight to eliminate any error caused by the fuel weight.  

Not convinced? We’ll take a hard look at a $60 bale of hay. If it is a loosely wrapped 4X4, then you could be spending $0.13 per pound. But if was a tightly baled, 5X5 round bale, you could end up with an investment of $0.06 per pound of hay. 

And finally, let’s look at this another way. If you are confident that the $60, loosely wrapped (at 9 lbs. per cubic foot), 4X4 was a good purchase, then you could also justify spending $140 on a tightly wrapped (at 11 lbs. per cubic foot), 5X5 bale.  Run the math for yourself. 

Cattlemen run a business with incredibly tight margins. I tip my hat to those who do well year after year with increasing input costs and facing unpredictable weather. Let the numbers above prod you and encourage you to make wise decisions as we continue to wait for rain. 

To better help with this major purchase, the Angelina County Extension Office is hosting an Evaluating Hay Sales and Purchases seminar on this Tuesday, Sept 17 at 6:30 pm at the Extension office. There is no fee for the program. The Angelina County Extension office is located at 2201 S Medford Dr, Lufkin, Texas. 

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