We're Ready - Are You?
by Maryann Miller

Set in the beautiful Piney Woods of East Texas, City Park in Winnsboro has recently upgraded the electrical hookups for camping to 50 amps to accommodate campers who don't like to leave their televisions and computers at home. Less than a mile from downtown and set on gently rolling acreage with lots of trees, the park has 21 concrete pads, 15 of which have sewer connections as well as water and electricity. For the heartier camper, there are other sites without concrete that have water and electric hookups and places for tents for those who truly want to rough it.

Butch Sumrow from Chapel Hill comes twice every year and spends a week camping and participating in Spring and Autumn Trails. "I've been doing this as long as they've had Autumn Trails," he says. "I take a week off work each time and come out for the peace and quiet. It's so relaxing out here."

His family will join him for Spring Trails May 3rd and 4th, and he has the horses ready for a couple of days of riding. "I used to use this for breaking in a young horse," he says. "But I'm getting too tired for that. I've got to get me a young cowboy to ride them. I just want to enjoy myself."

In addition to camping sites, City Park offers a playground, covered picnic areas, and the City Auditorium. Through the years it has been the site of the American Music Festival, Autumn Trails, Spring Trails, rodeos, and many other gatherings. It is within a comfortable driving distance to several lakes for boating and fishing. In the spring, wildflowers paint the landscape with an array of colors, and the fall foliage rivals some Eastern and Midwest states in splendor.

Regular camping fees are $15.00 dollars a night on the pads, other sites cost $10.00 a night. Three dollar discounts are available for seniors and groups of 8 or more campers.

For those who'd like to stay longer, the monthly fee is $250.00.

To make reservations call Kathy Dorsett at 903-342-3400.