Athens Department of Tourism Hosts Texas Friendly Hospitality Training

The City of Athens Department of Tourism hosted its second Texas Friendly Hospitality Training on August 22 at the Athens Partnership Center for hospitality industry employees.

The Texas Friendly Training offers essential training for all front-line employees, including front desk staff, hotel staff, guest services, restaurant staff, etc. Excellent customer service is a vital key to the lifeline of all successful businesses as well as the success of the tourism industry here in Athens.

Attending the training was representatives from the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Inn Express Athens, Coker and Qualls P.A., and the Cain Center.

Registration Now Open for the Annual Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Join the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center for a fun-filled day of trying to catch the biggest Bluegill at the
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center and on Lake Athens.

The annual Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2013.

The cost is $15 per family team, entry includes family admission.

Numerous prize packages will be awarded, including an X-Box 360 with game, fishing equipment and gift cards from local businesses. More than $2,500 in prizes will be awarded.

The tournament awards prizes for the heaviest stringers of sunfish, but the event is really about adults and children having fun fishing together.

Teams must consist of one adult 18 years or older and one child under 18 years of age. Each team can weigh in a maximum of four fish. Multiple teams can fish from the same boat, making it possible for both parents to partner with different children and still fish as a family. Team members are not required to be related.

Teams may choose to fish either on Lake Athens, which is adjacent to TFFC, or in TFFC's ponds and streams, some of which have been stocked with bluegills.

All species of sunfish or bream, except largemouth bass, are allowed. For information on identifying them, please click here.

For more information about the Bluegill Family Fishing Tournament, visit the event page by clicking here. To request an entry form, contact Craig Brooks at TFFC at 903-670-2222.

The Henderson County Performing Arts Center Announces Shows for its 50th Anniversary Season

The Henderson County Performing Arts Center will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2014 and they have selected the right mix of shows that were produced in the past 50 years to produce again during their special Anniversary Season.

The season will kick off during Valentine's weekend with Love Letters, the March show will be Enchanted April, and the month of April will be a joint effort with TVCC Drama Department to present the classic Picnic. June is the time for the comedy audience-pleaser, Daddy's Dyin', Who's Got The Will? The Summer Youth Musical will be Once Upon A Mattress and September is the slot for the return of the very popular, Rabbit Hole. The HCPAC will have 50 years of Musicals Revue featuring current and former musical stars. The season will conclude with their Christmas Show, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

The HCPAC is offering an early bird special for the 2014 Season Tickets. Contact the Henderson County Performing Arts Center at 903-675-3908 for more information.