Julie A Barker

I love this time of year for so many reasons.  The warm air, the end of the school activities with the anticipation of upcoming summer fun, and also because it is rodeo time.  I grew up in Vernon, Texas, just 30 miles down the road from my current hometown of Quanah.  On May, 17-20th, Vernon will be celebrating their annual Santa Rosa Roundup.  If you are traveling through on Wednesday the 17th, stay for the Santa Rosa parade, then head on out to the rodeo grounds for the amazing BBQ meal provided by the local Lion's Club.  There is absolutely nothing like good ole Texas BBQ!   After the BBQ, walk over to the Santa Rosa arena to watch the first night of rodeo action and enjoy the talent of the historic Santa Rosa Palomino Club.  These talented riders give all they have to entertain the crowd, and they never disappoint!  My little boy Brady sure couldn't take his eyes off of them!   Rodeo is such a wonderful tradition. ...

N ational Small Business Week is April 30th-May 6th , so in honor of this week, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite small businesses in my area.  I am blessed to live in a rural community that is full of people wanting to better our little town.  I live in Quanah, Texas, located about 90 miles east of Wichita Falls, on Highway 287.  In our little town, we have entrepreneurs that see the importance of bringing businesses and travelers to our area. Ladies, who doesn't like to shop???  I know I do, which is why I'm proud that Quanah boasts two wonderful dress shops that provide the latest fashions we are all looking for. Rustics and Rhinestones is located directly on Hwy 287 across from the Best Western hotel, making shopping convenient for travelers on the main road.  Owner, Joycelyn Smith, has clothing, home decor, baby items, Junk Gypsy paint, furniture, Tyler Candles and much, much more.                ...