First Lady Tour:
Winnsboro is dedicated a 2003 Texas Main Street City
by Maryann Miller

March 24, 2003 was a stellar day for Winnsboro. Not only were we graced with a gorgeous spring day, Texas First Lady Anita Perry visited us to officially dedicate Winnsboro as a Main Street City.

The festivities started at the Trails Country Center For The Arts where the First Lady arrived for photos with representatives of city government, community and business organizations, and civic and arts groups. Then the crowd moved over to the Depot for the ceremony.

After an invocation by Rev. Ken Hinkley, the Colors were presented by Drate Berry and Cody Jordan (Boy Scout Troop 379) and Brianne Hellyer and Katie Swank (Girl Scout Troop 2703). Jamie Kellar, Queen Autumn Trails XLIV, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Pledge, which was followed by the WES Choir singing Texas Our Texas. The Winnsboro High School Band played a variety of patriotic songs for the crowd of several hundred. Just before the closing benediction by Billy Condrey from Grace Fellowship Ministries, Raygan Mills and Danielle Yarborough presented a book to the First Lady.

The theme for the day centered on the connection between past and present and a vision for the future. John L. Nau, III, from the Texas Historical Commission urged listeners to "Work toward a future that is as bright with promise as we are rich in history." He also stressed the fact that the Commission is committed to assisting the city in areas of preservation, restoration, and economic growth. As part of that commitment, the Commission unveiled an Architectural Rendering of the restoration of the historic building at 200 Market Street which houses the Trails Country Center For The Arts.

Continuing on a variation of the theme of connectedness and unity, Ms. Perry spoke of National pride, Texas pride, and community pride, her point being that if we care enough, we will "preserve our heritage and insure the future for our children."

Ms. Perry said that making the Main Street designations is one of her favorite duties as it gives her the opportunity to leave Austin and remember what it is like to be in a small town. She and Governor Perry grew up in rural areas and she treasures that heritage which is rich with the sights and sounds of country living. She didn't even seem to mind the train that went rumbling past during her speech.

After Ms. Perry walked through the historic district of downtown, she returned to the Trails Country Center For The Arts for a reception. The Center was decorated with paintings and drawings by local artists as well as students from Memorial Middle School and music was provided by local singer/songwriters Lynn Adler and Lindy Hearn.

Click here for pictures of the event
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