Plans have been finalized for the rededication of the Red River County Courthouse on the weekend of October 25^th , 26^th & 27^th, 2002. While the interior work will not be complete, the majority of the exterior and some interior work should be complete. Tours will be available of the interior on the weekend. The event will be in conjunction with the Red River County Historical Society’s Fall Bazaar, which has been changed from its usual weekend.

    The Festival will begin on Friday with the dedication of the Red River County Hall of Fame on the Clarksville Square. The Hall of Fame will be housed in the Red River County Chamber of Commerce building. State Comptroller, Carol Keeton Rylander, will be the dedicatory speaker for this event. In conjunction with this event, a county-wide history quiz bowl will be held prior to the dedication. Following the dedication of the Hall of Fame, the Clarksville Rotary Club will host a barbecue behind the Library Thrift Shop, south of the Courthouse. Friday evening will culminate with a street dance between the Courthouse and the Post Office. Back by popular demand, Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys will play western swing music for everyone’s dancing enjoyment. This band played at George W. Bush’s inaugural ball.

    Saturday is to be a much-remembered day in the history of Red River County. In addition to the usual Fall Bazaar activities, many additional events are planned. The day will begin with a parade down North Walnut Street led by marching bands from Clarksville and Rivercrest schools. This will be followed by the crowning of Miss Red River County Courthouse. Many entertainers will provide entertainment throughout the day. In the afternoon, the Clarksville Civic Chorus will present a concert of patriotic music followed by the actual rededication of the courthouse at 2:00 p.m.

    Dr. Raymond Judd, former minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville and a founder of the Red River County Historical Society, will be the dedicatory speaker at the program. Governor Rick Perry has tentatively responded that he will be in attendance, in addition to numerous local and state officials and Texas Historical Commission officials.

    On Saturday evening, Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys will again play for a street dance on North Walnut Street, which will feature a spectacular fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.

    On Sunday, plans are underway for the recreation of an 1884 church service at the First Presbyterian Church. The Rededication Committee is chaired by Anne Russell Evetts, with Jim Clark serving as co-chair. Other members of the Committee include Teela Bowers Hurt, Susan Hughston, Val Varley and Tony Whittle. Many volunteers will be needed to help with this event. If you are interested in helping with this historic event, please contact any of the committee members.