The City of Edna is proud to announce their first annual Flag City Celebration, to be held downtown on Flag Day weekend, Saturday, June 13, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
It will begin at Wells Street and go all the way down on Main, stopping at the Methodist Church.
“We’re going to have a party!” City Manager Gary Broz said. “Although some people say Edna is 144 years old, but it was 1926 when Edna was permanently incorporated.”
Valerie Callaway is the director of this free event, and she said planning it has turned her into a history buff and a book of information. She’s been quite involved in getting ready for the celebration, by designing games full of historical facts and land markers.
“Truth be known, 144 years ago, Edna was only incorporated for once year, and then it went back to the county commissioners,” she said. “It didn’t go into effect until 1926 when we became the city of Edna.”
Callaway has begun a series titled, ‘Edna, did you know?’ Follow the City of Edna Facebook page to learn tidbits leading up to the Flag City Celebration. They plan to have the courthouse lawn filled with landmarks and information, with the hope of starting small but growing over the years.
Callaway and Broz even have a historical coloring book for all the county elementary students, with pictures of important buildings and facts about Edna.
The coloring book then lends itself to an invitation to all the parents with the hope they come out and celebrate with everyone.
“If you notice pictures of Texana and Edna, then and now, rurally, the town doesn’t look that different, except there are cars,” Callaway pointed out. “The reason being, is when they rebuilt everything after the two fires in the early 1900s, they did it in brick, which is why the buildings are still standing today.”
The afternoon/evening will have live entertainment, Emma New (Kallus), Chris Zuber, and the ever popular Adysen Malek, who is currently dropping lots of new songs. Mayor Lance Smiga will have a welcome at 6 p.m., and give award to certain events. The dance begins afterwards, with music from the Still Revival Band.
Tournaments will be held in the afternoon, with games like cornhole, dominos, croquet, and games for the kids, not to mention kiddie carnival rides as well.
“LNRA is kind enough to let us use their two big blow-up rides, a big slide and the obstacle course, and they’re bringing their wildlife exhibit,” Callaway said. “Food trucks will also be available, and adult beverages will be sold as well.”
“The city will also be giving free hot dogs for everyone,” Broz added.
“We want to have something for everyone.”
An antique car show will also be present with anywhere between 50 and 100 cars. Prizes will be given as well for the show: the top ten cars will receive a set of dominos with the logo of the Flag City event.
The dominos will also be on sale at the event.
Edna was named Flag City in 1967, due to the national attention it received after supporting the troops with flags all over the city.
“We have great community support too,” Callaway added. “The Ganado Volunteer Fire Department have offered to let us use their stage, and the Jackson County Youth Fair is letting us use their tables and chairs. It’s been a community thing and we’re so very appreciative of that.
“It’s going to be something grand and I’m excited about it,” she said.
So write it soon your calendar and save it in your phone, for Saturday, June 13, 3 to 9 p.m., downtown Edna.
It should be an unforgettable event.
