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Merkel Market Days is just one short month away, and if you
have not decided on having a booth, you might give a call in
to see what has not be chosen, especially in the exclusive food
booth section. You need to go by Carter Insurance and pay
your deposit to receive a
guaranteed spot for exclusive food items.
The deadline of February 1st has already passed for those that had spoken for but not paid the deposit to guarantee their booth, so
those booths became open for the first come-first serve
with the exclusive food item booths.
Merkel potential increase in visitors for that weekend will be tremendous as advertising throughout the state by mailings to vendors, Chambers of Commerce, merkeltx.com internet site, advertising in the American Classifieds, as well as the sign located on I 20 between Wimberley Road and Wells Lane, has helped to put the word out. President Alan Lovelace urges those wanting to participate to go by Carter Insurance or download an application from the website
http://www.merkeltx.com, and turn in as soon as possible.
Vendors that have paid their fee to reserve booths so far or Pa's Ice Cream; Ok It Smells So Good, Candle Co.; Homemade Gourmet; Wild West Candles; K.J. Crafts; Floru Gonzales; T & J Concessions, Sweet Kettle Corn (Pop Corn); Ruthie's World; Material Things; Merkel Lions Club; Alan Lovelace, Corn; P & J woodworks; CB & CE Designs; Double D Food Express; Lil House Creations; and Merkel Chamber of Commerce.
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Merkel was settled in 1881, so if my math figures right, in 2006, we will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Merkel. I would like to highlight a little information on Merkel's past.
S. M. Merkel helped to build the railroad, decided to claim land, farm and help others. For all his diligent work, the community named this little town Merkel. The town grew slowly, and in two years there were 24 buildings, railroad depot, general store, school, four saloons, a church and 19 homes. The depot was the main meeting place not only to purchase tickets for traveling, but was the first school, and church as well .
During the Golden Cavalcade was held in June, 1956, having 6 days of celebrations and activities. The price of the souvenir program was 50 cents. There were three performances of a play written by the late Bill Wood. The play duplicated the origin and history of Merkel. On looking back at the program, many of the characters have moved away or died. The community banded together as three performances were produced. All churches came together for one church service, with over 2,000 were in attendance, this this celebration.
The 100 year celebration was not as big with the activities, but many of the old timers who participated are now deceased, and much of our history went with them. Working together brings a closeness and keeps alive our past, which were really the good ole days.
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Last week, a family from Dallas made a trip to our fine city, their name is Merkel. They were here in the afternoon, and I am truly sorry I missed them. They took pictures of my window, and that is when Stacy Tumlinson enters, asking if she could help out. Stacy found a 100 year publication of the Merkel book, a trash can with Merkel on it, a newsletter and Merkel Mails. They went to Rustic Creations and purchased the mugs. They had already made phone calls to Realistic Creations, and with the help of James and Monica got T-shirts with the Merkel name.
Stacy brought me a "Thank You" note she had received from the group, "Camp Merkel", and I might say it is rather unusual, the Camp Merkel is pictures of their children spelling out Camp Merkel. I will be sending the Merkel's our famous Merkel pins and newsletter. Stacy said the dad is originally from up north.
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