The Texas Forestry Museum will once again host its annual EEK! Week June 9-13. The Environmental Education Kamp! (EEK!) is open to students who will enter 5th, 6th, or 7th grade in the fall. The week long day camp allows children the opportunity to learn about the natural environment and history of East Texas in new, exciting ways. Registration deadline is Friday, May 30 with limited spaces available. The cost of $60 per participant provides transportation to and from sites, lunches, afternoon snacks, supplies and an EEK! Week souvenir. All Kids' Club members will receive a 10 percent discount.
Transportation is provided from the Museum to environmentally unique and historic sites around East Texas. At each site professionals in a variety of fields provide instruction, discussion and hands-on activities. An optional camping trip will begin at 5 p.m. June 13, with campers returning to the museum at 10 a.m. June 14. An additional $10 charge will cover the fee for camping at Ratcliff Lake National Recreation Area, dinner, evening snacks, breakfast, and other necessary camping materials. Having your own tent is not a requirement, but if you have an extra one we would love to borrow it.
For more information or an application please call the Texas Forestry Museum at 632-9535. Registration deadline is May 30, but registration will be accepted until all slots are filled. Attendance is on a first come, first serve basis.
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Volunteers and exhibitors are gearing up for the 2008 "Forest Family Fun Day & Equipment Show" set to begin at 8 a.m. May 10 at the George H. Henderson Jr. Expo Center in Lufkin. Companies from across the United States will be present to show the public the latest in logging, harvesting and transportation equipment and related services. The event is produced by the Texas Forestry Association and the Texas Logging Council.
Thousands of dollars in cash prizes will be awarded in several contests, including the log loading competition, skidder driving, best looking log truck, best looking service truck, Chain Saw Competition and truck driving Skills. Food booths and events for youngsters will be open all day.
A benefit log auction is scheduled and proceeds will be given to the Lufkin State School Wheelchair Fabrication Department and the Texas Forestry Association Educational Fund. In 2006, the log auction drew more than $40,000 for the benefit of charitable organizations. At the end of the day drawings will be held for thousands of dollars in door prizes, including a 4-wheeler.
Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information about exhibiting, competing or attending the show, call the Texas Forestry Association at 632-TREE.
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The 47th annual Crockett Lions Cub PRCA Rodeo will be held May 8-10 at the Porth Ag Arena in Crockett. To kick off the rodeo, nationally famous Trick Rider Leann Pollock, will join announcer Mike Mathis to open Crockett's first ever "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" promotion to recognize and support breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer patients and survivors will be admitted free and recognized during opening ceremonies on Thursday.
The rodeo, which starts at 7:30 p.m. nightly, funds the many civic and charitable activities of the Crockett Lions Club. Pre-sale tickets will be available at most county banks, at Baskins, Crockett Farm & Fuel, S&B Chemicals, and at other locations. Pre-sale tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for childred 6-12. T!Ckets at the gate are $2 higher. To show their appreciation, the Crockett Lions Club will admit all veterans, law enforcement officers, firemen and other emergency workers free on Thursday, May 11 only. In addition, current military personnel in uniform will be admitted free each night.
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Items may be contributed to this column by sending the information to The Lufkin Daily News, P.O. Box 1089, Lufkin, 75902, to my attention. Or give me a call at 631-2618 or e-mail me at lufnews@coxnews.com.
