Discover Ennis

WELCOMETOENNIS!

Welcome to Ennis, where the bluebonnets bloom in April but the bluebonnet spirit pervades all year long. Ennis, designated the “Official Bluebonnet City” and the “Official Bluebonnet Trail” of Texas, is home to 40 miles of mapped Ennis Bluebonnet Trails presented by the Ennis Garden Club. The festival takes place on April 14th, 15th and 16th

Throughout the weekend, there will be unique shopping vendors and fabulous live entertainment that will have visitors dancing and singing all weekend long. Put your boots on Friday to two step the night away with King George. On Saturday sing along to “Livin’ on a Prayer”, and “Always” with Slippery When Wet, an award-winning Bon Jovi cover band. The Windbreakers will bring their high-energy yacht rock dance party on Sunday to close out the three-day event. Visitors can also enjoy tasty food, fun kids’ activities and relax in the Wine Wander tent sampling unique wines from all over Texas. We are so grateful to Pegasus Auto and WFAA along with all our sponsors for helping make this event possible.

During your stay, make sure to visit Ennis’ historic downtown where you will find wonderful shopping and dining. Stop by the Bluebonnet Spirit Shop located at 204 W. Knox St. to shop all sorts of Ennis gear including hats, water bottles, bags, coffee mugs and the official Bluebonnet Festival shirt.

Ashley Colunga City of Ennis Marketing & Communications Director

You can also enjoy the Bluebonnet Market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, hand spun pottery, jewelry, clothing and more. This unique shopping experience is a local favorite, and we are celebrating its 10-year anniversary! Located on N. Dallas St, the market is open every Saturday from 8am-noon April through October. In addition to the market families can also enjoy Saturday Mornings at Minnie, unique live entertainment every Saturday at 10am from April through October in Minnie McDowal Park.

There are so many things to see and do while you are in Ennis. Watch your favorite movie under the stars at the popular 7 screen Galaxy Drive-in Theatre. Catch a live play at the Ennis Public Theatre or at Theatre Rocks. Check out an action-packed drag car race at the Texas Motorplex or enjoy watching a race at the Big O Speedway, an oval dirt track. If you are traveling with your furry friend, stop by the Puppy Patch dog park and dog wash located at 302 N. Dallas St.

Mark your calendars for our next festival, The National Polka Festival on Memorial Day Weekend. This unique family festival is fun for all ages with plenty of dancing, authentic Czech food, shopping and more. Trust us, you have never experienced polka like this before!

Join us for Blues on Main on June 10th-11th featuring live music and a Sunday brunch. Celebrate freedom at Ennis Freedom Fest with a charming Red, White and Bike Parade and HUGE firework display on June 24th. In October, enjoy the downtown haymaze all month long and Autumn Daze October 27th-29th. Then kick off the holiday season with the annual Christmas Parade of Lights and block party on November 30th followed by a full month of Christmas events downtown.

Don’t forget to download our free mobile app, Ennis Y’all, where you will have access to an interactive bluebonnet trail map with points of interest including a herd of longhorns and Sugar Ridge Winery, two must-stop places along the trail! You can also find places to eat and shop around town and can check out upcoming events. Use the app while you are in Ennis and to plan your next trip back.

Please stop by the NEW Ennis Welcome Center to say hello, be greeted with a “Hi Y’all” and get more information about the trails or your visit to Ennis. We are located at 201 NW Main and can be reached at 972-878-4748. visitennistexas.com

Welcome to Ennis Y’all!

Ennis Independent School District

Carver Early Childhood Center

600 E. MLK Street

Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-3730

Crockett Early Childhood Center

1701 W. Lampasas Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7131

Austin Elementary

1500 Austin Street Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7190

Bowie Elementary

501 Jeter Drive Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7234

Houston Elementary

1701 S. Hall Street Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7285

Travis Elementary

200 N. Shawnee Street Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7455

Jack Lummus Intermediate

501 N. Clay Street Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7060

Dorie Miller Intermediate

2200 W. Lampasas Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-3775

Alamo Middle School

501 N. Gaines Street Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7332

Ennis Junior High School

3101 Ensign Road Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-3850

Ennis High School

2301 Ensign Road

Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-3500

www.ennis.k12.tx.us

Central Administration - 303 W. Knox Street Ennis, TX 75119

(972)872-7000

Special thanks to the City of Ennis, Ennis Welcome Center, Ennis Main Street, Ennis Chamber of Commerce, and Ennis Independent School District. Additional images courtesy of the City of Ennis and other contributors. Cover image from 2022 Bluebonnet Trails Photo Contest Submissions.

Discover Spring 2023 is a publication of The Ennis News. Features by Mark Warde and Randy Bigham. Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. For more copies, contact us at The Ennis News or view online at www.ennisdailynews.com.

Courtesy Shannon Cox

TEXASBLUEBONNETCITY

he magnetic appeal to Ennis is as fresh as the annual blanket in blue, the April arrival of the bodacious and beautiful blue flower that captures the imagination. It remains the challenge of photographers to freeze-frame its glory.

Designated the home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” by the 1997 State Legislature, Ennis was later appropriated the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” While others boast of their blooms, the bluebonnet spirit radiates here like nowhere else.

The Ennis Garden Club is again showcasing over 40 miles of mapped Bluebonnet Trails for viewing. They are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the trek to Ennis to behold this wonderful wildflower show. Garden Club members personally drive the trails each week to check their bloom status. They relay their reports to the new Welcome Center (201 NW Main St) so visitors are well-informed about where the best flowers are located on the trails when they visit. Each year the state flower appears on various trails, many of them fertilized and groomed while growing naturally and free.

Bluebonnets typically peak around the middle of April, according to the Ennis Garden Club. This can vary year to year due to weather conditions, so please check the visitennis.org and bluebonnettrail.org websites or call 972-878-4748 before your

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails

April 1-30, 2023

visit. The downtown Welcome Center is open seven days a week throughout April, except for Easter Sunday, April 9.

A highlight of the Bluebonnet Trails month is the Bluebonnet Festival. It will be held April 14-16, 2023 in downtown. It too is sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club; who is celebrating their 71st year this spring.

Last year the festival surpassed 30,000 in three days. Besides the state flower, this crowd enjoyed entertainment on stage, not to mention street vendors and events for kids. Bands and solo acts were met with an adoring audience.

This spring kicks off, literally, on Friday, April 14, when King George, a tribute to George Strait, takes the stage. Wear your boots and be prepared to scoot. Saturday, April 15, will be highlighted by Slippery When Wet, the talented, Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band. Sunday, April 16, closes with local favorite, the Windbreakers, return with their pop style in downtown.

A selection of food, drinks as well as the Wine Wander, sponsored by the Ennis Education Foundation’s annual tent for kicking back, relaxing and partaking in the choicest of beverages.

So, visit Ennis for the bluebonnets in April. Their beauty in person is well beyond what any photo can capture. Download the mobile app, Ennis Y’all, for the Trail Map and more.

Bluebonnet Trails Festival

April 14-16, 2023

BLUEBONNETMARKET

Back by demand, the Bluebonnet Market, formerly known as the Ennis Farmers Market, opens in April for another seven-month season. It is held from 8 a.m. until noon, every Saturday, April through October on the beautifully renovated North Dallas Street. This is the Market's 10-year anniversary.

The future of Ennis brings a touch of yesteryear with a taste of the now in the Bluebonnet Market. Offices, lofts, businesses and restaurants have materialized, and more are on the way, all part of the city’s Main Street national program. One exciting element that remains is the downtown Bluebonnet Market. It has endured surrounding renovation work in recent years, with this being another uninterrupted season, dating back to April of 2014.

It offers garden and farm fresh produce and food products picked and prepared daily.

Now a seasonal fixture in town, an average foot traffic crowd of 500 or more will shop the market. Vendors provide a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, honey, meat, nuts, cottage and prepared food, clothing, crafts and interior products.

Special events are scheduled, including cooking demonstrations, arts, crafts and activities for children at Make It at the Market, exhibitions and special music.

ENNISCZECHHERITAGE

The Czech experience extends beyond the Polka Fest to the churches, civic groups and family-owned restaurants and other businesses that cater to life in Ennis. The Ennis News regularly features cultural and historical news items about Czech heritage. But the parade and accompanying activities and entertainment are the big attraction once May rolls around.

The National Polka Festival® in Ennis celebrates years of Czech heritage from Friday through Sunday, May 26-28, 2023.

Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend, the National Polka Festival offers activities for the whole family in the small town atmosphere of The Bluebonnet City.

The festival kicks off with a dance on Friday, featuring polka music and the King and Queen Dance Contest, in which participants and audiences are encouraged to wear traditional Czech kroj (costumes).

On Saturday morning, floats, bands and colorful costumes make up the famous parade that twists through historic downtown. The festivities include attractions for visitors of all

National Polka Festival

ages. Attendees can enjoy the music of polka bands on decorated floats or the sounds of the award winning Ennis High School Marching Band. The Shriners make their annual appearance, as well as celebrities, public officials, motorcyclists, horseback riders, clowns, kids and seniors. The Polkafest Run also returns in 2023.

Visitors experience Czech traditions, religious customs and dancing throughout historic downtown and at three spacious, air conditioned halls (KJT, Sokol and SPJST). Attendees will enjoy a weekend of polka dancing, Czech foods, and numerous sensational live polka bands.

Polka Festival guests can also experience authentic Czech cuisine at what has become the city’s largest festival.

Today, Polka fans from across the country come to Ennis for Memorial Day weekend. Attendance continues growing, and by some counts, as many as 50,000 people come to town each year to enjoy events associated with the National Polka Festival. *Events are subject to change

Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-28, 2023

Museum and Library: Czech it out

Ennis’ Czechoslovakian heritage is celebrated at the Sokol Hall Activity Center’s Czech Museum and Library. Exhibits include authentic Czech costumes, memorabilia, dolls, photographs, crystal and books. The museum and library is open during special events and by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call Liz Moucka at 972-765-3733.

KATOLICKA JEDNOTA TEXASKA SOCIETY NO. 35

Members: Approximately 1,250

Community Outreach & Activities: KJT youth program, scholarships for KJT members who are graduating seniors

History:

KJT Society began so that Czech immigrants could bond with each other after coming to the United States. The Ennis chapter was founded in 1900. KJT began accepting women members in 1980. Although it started out as an exclusively Catholic organization, in 2008, KJT opened membership to all Christians.

SOKOL

Members: Approximately 300 Community Outreach & Activities:

Sokol provides gymnastics and fitness classes for all, and a twirling program. Facilities can be used for community functions, weddings, and other parties.

History:

Sokol, which means falcon in Czech, was founded in 1862 in Prague, and brought to the United States by Czech immigrants to preserve their heritage. The Ennis unit was formed in 1908.

SPJST LODGE #25

Members: Approximately 700 Community Outreach & Activities:

SPJST #25 Youth Program; Scholarships for SPJST Members who are graduating seniors; SPJST Lodge #25 Bar open every Wednesday Night from 5pm10pm; Kitchen/Dining Room, Bar, and Hall available for bookings for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties and special occasions. Facebook / Instagram: @spjstennistx

History:

SPJST stands for Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas which translates to Slavonic Benefit Order of the State of Texas. SPJST Lodge #25 was established in 1897.

THEATRELIVESHERE

Ennis is home to a pair of local theater organizations. Both present six productions a year and offer other entertainment on their respective stages. Ennis residents and those in the area are provided some great shows at Ennis Public Theatre and Theatre Rocks! Plus, they can even audition for a chance to be part of a production.

Theatre Rocks! Under Rhotens’ leadership

Founded in 2013, Theatre Rocks! Is a very popular venue for live plays. An intimate atmosphere with seating for approximately 75, the talent you’ll find is big and productions are unique and well-performed featuring local amateurs working alongside well-trained actors.

Theatre Rocks has produced a number of well-known hits, from “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams to Sam Shepard’s “True West” and “12 Angry Men.”

Bill Rhoten, artistic director, and Suzanne Rhoten, executive director, have teamed together in Dallas area performing arts for well over 30 years and have been active in both producing and directing in Ennis since 2002.

Located just three blocks north of downtown at 505 NW Main Street, visit TheatreRocks.com or their Facebook page or call 972-878-5126 for additional info.

Ennis Public Theatre, an Ennis Treasure

An extraordinary find in Ellis County is the live drama productions available year-round as delivered by the Ennis Public Theatre. With over a decade of plays under their belt, EPT produces superb live entertainment at a reasonable cost.

Part of the Main Street revitalization program in Ennis, EPT is located in their downtown digs at 113 N. Dallas St., where the atmosphere and amenities are outstanding.

The theatre delights audiences of all ages with laughout-loud comedies, heart-warming dramas, lively musicals and a fantastic Young Artists Program.

A married tandem, Julie Mitchell and Markus Baldwin, serve as overall artistic directors. Dakota Russell is the house manager, while Karen Blewitt is the business manager and Brett Schmidt is responsible for community outreach. The theatre group is supported by a great board of directors and a receptive community.

For more information, a list of their shows as well as access to tickets call  972-878-PLAY or visit their website www.ennispublictheatre.com.

CINCODEMAYO CULTURALCELEBRATION

The Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration continues to be a huge hit. For the past two years, the heart of downtown celebrated this unique, cultural holiday with a one day festival. Smiles, dancing and more decorated Knox and Dallas Streets and this year the event will be moved to North Plaza for a larger festival footprint. We are so excited to have Bobby Pulido as our headlining entertainer as well as performers Jay Perez, Sol de la Kumbia and more to take the celebration to the next level. Local artists will still be involved as well as local food vendors and artisans. Mark your calendars for May 7th for a cultural experience in Historic Downtown Ennis that is like no other!

MAY 7, 2023

FULLBLOOM

Enjoy the beautiful art installation, "Full Bloom" by artist, Michele R. Gutlove,

Design

Studio GH, LLC. Photos by Zev B. Hoover, Design Studio GH, LLC. Located inside the Ennis Welcome Center, 201 NW Main St.

FUNINJUNE BLUESONMAIN&ENNISFREEDOMFEST

Saturday & Sunday, June 10-11, Blues on Main hits downtown Ennis, featuring live music and family fun for everyone! This annual event is presented by Unity in the Community.

Saturday, June 24, begins downtown with the annual Red, White and Bike Parade. Come see hundreds of people in patriotic garb, showcasing their decorated rides. The festival then moves west to Veterans Park, 2301 Ennis Parkway, where families will find music, vendors and fun activities.

2023 Ennis Freedom Fest culminates with a spectacular fireworks display after sundown.

*Events are subject to change

TEXASMOTORPLEX

Texas Motorplex hosts a National Hot Rod Event each racing season which draws fans from across the globe.

considered one of the finest one-quarter mile drag racing facilities in the nation.

he Texas Motorplex is known nationwide for being the host of the prestigious Texas Fall Nationals Stampede of Speed (Oct. 6-15, 2023) event each fall, but it’s also a year-round racing center, located about two miles west of Ennis. Events start in February and run through November, among them National Hot Rod Diesel Association events, Import Face Offs, car shows,

and Fast Fridays.

Fast Fridays give people a chance to take their own cars to the strip to give drag racing a try. It’s a way for people to legally satisfy their need for speed, and for a very reasonable fee. Anyone can head to the track and race unlimited times.

Home of the world speed record of 333.95 mph, the Texas Motorplex is

Constructed in 1986 by Billy Meyer, the Texas Motorplex is known across the country as “the ultimate drag racing facility” both by drivers and the fans alike. The Motorplex hosts over 90 events each year, with 500,000 fans visiting the race track annually. Ennis welcomes the racers and race fans with open arms.

If you are just visiting or planning to come back, be sure to get your hotel reservations early. Ennis is blessed with great lodging, and accommodations fill up as fast as a dragster on the strip.

ENNISEVENTSCALENDAR

April - October

April 1

April 1-30

April 14-16

April 21

May 7

May 26-28

June 10-11

June 24

June 25

July 14-15

Bluebonnet Market (formerly Farmers Market), 100 N Dallas St., Sat. 8am – noon

Don’t Mess with Texas Trash Off, www.KeepEnnisBeautiful.com

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, www.bluebonnettrail.org

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, www.bluebonnettrail.org

Bling Bang Bash, designer bag bingo & gun raffle, SOKOL, 2622 Hwy 34, 6pm-10pm

Cinco de Mayo Cultural Celebration, downtown Ennis, www.visitennis.org

National Polka Festival, www.nationalpolkafestival.com

Blues on Main, www.visitennis.org

Main Street Midway, downtown Ennis Ennis Freedom Fest, www.visitennis.org

Ellis County Quilters Guild Annual Quilt Show, location TBA

October 1-31

October 6-15

Hay Maze & Pumpkin Patch - FREE!, North Plaza Parking Lot, 302 N. Dallas St. Texas Fall Nationals Stampede of Speed, Texas Motorplex, www.nhra.com, www.texasmotorplex.com, or www.stampedeofspeed.com

October 27-29

November 25

November 30

December 1-31

Ennis Autumn Daze Festival, www.visitennis.org

Small Business Saturday, downtown Ennis, Saturday after Thanksgiving Lights of Ennis Parade & Block Party, downtown Ennis, (Thurs after Thanksgiving) Lights of Ennis Events, downtown Ennis, include Cookies with Mrs. Claus, horse drawn carriage and wagon rides, Elf Seek & Find game, a giant snow hill, photo ops and more!

**Events are subject to change. Please confirm before driving long distances. Follow Visit Ennis, Texas AND Downtown Ennis TX on Facebook and Instagram. Download the mobile app Ennis Y’all. Visit the website www.VisitEnnis.org. Call 972-878-4748.

OFFICIALS BY THE #’S

CITY OF ENNIS

INFORMATION

City of Ennis, 972-875-1234

Ennis Police Department, 972-875-4462

Ennis Fire Department / Ambulance Service, 972-875-3473

Ennis Fire Station #2, 972-875-6151

Ennis Fire Station #3, 972-895-3313

Ennis Regional Medical Center, 972-875-0900

Ennis Chamber of Commerce, 972-878-2625

Ennis Welcome Center, 972-878-4748

City of Ennis Economic Development, 972-878-4748

City of Ennis Health & Inspections, 972-878-6442

Ennis Independent School District, 972-872-7000

The Ennis News, 972-875-3801

Ennis Main Street Program, 972-878-4748

Ennis Public Library, 972-875-5360

Ennis Municipal Airport, 972-875-4279

Ennis Cares, 972-695-3524

Go to www.visitennis.org or download the ENNISY’ALL app for event times and dates.

Do you need information for your visit? Go to www.visitennis. org, or contact the Ennis Chamber of Commerce at 972-878-2625 or www. ennis-chamber.com. Download the free mobile app, Ennis Y’all, for Ennis information and where to shop, stay, do and see!

20,159

Census Bureau Est. Population in 2020

39 Miles from Ennis to downtown Dallas

5 State Football Championships

58,735 Average Median Income

11 Number of Ennis Independent School District instructional facilities

2023 & 71st Bluebonnet Trails Festival celebrated its 71st in April 2023

2023 & 56th

Ennis’ National Polka Festival celebrated its 56th in May 2023

1/4

Length in miles of drag races at Texas Motorplex

2 Number of Operating Stage Theaters

40 Miles of Bluebonnet Trails

Angeline Juenemann Mayor

Jake Holland Mayor Pro-Tem

Rowdy Pruitt Ward 1 Commissioner

Bruce Jones Ward 2 Commissioner

Kameron Raburn Ward 3 Commissioner

Shirley Watson Ward 4 Commissioner

Bill Honza Ward 5 Commissioner

The Ennis CARES Program was born as a response to community needs identified during the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020.  Ennis C.A.R.E.S. serves our  (C)ommunity by providing (A)ssistance and (R)esources, through (E)ngagement and (S)ervices while focusing on long term solutions for people and families in need.

Ennis CARES serves as the resource hub for the City of Ennis, all while working alongside other agencies, organizations and churches, by providing charitable, benevolent, civic, educational, social and societal services to the community of Ennis to improve the lives of our fellow citizens. The Ennis CARES Program identifies a need in the community and looks for ways to address those needs.

To date, the Ennis CARES Program has assisted with initiatives such as the Hurricane Laura Evacuation Center, Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Shelter, Emergency Water Distribution, COVID-19 Working Group, Ellis County Vaccination Hub, Ennis Vaccination Hub, Ellis County Mobile Vaccination Team (In-Home), Mobile Food Pantry Events, Community Thanksgiving Meal and Angel Tree Programs. The non-emergency Bluebonnet Call

Center serves the Ennis and Ennis ISD area and is a great resource to citizens needing help with running errands for the homebound, picking up a prescription, financial assistance with a bill, welfare checks, prayer or just someone to talk to.

For assistance or information on how YOU can help those in need, call the Bluebonnet Call Center at 972-6953524 or email BBCC@ennistx.gov.

We are here for YOU because

KEEPENNISBEAUTIFUL

eep Ennis Beautiful (KEB) is a City of Ennis affiliation with Keep Texas Beautiful. The mission of KEB is to cultivate community pride through volunteerism and education focused on creating a healthy, beautiful, and sustainable environment. Our goals are:

1. To inspire, initiate, plan, direct, and coordinate programs for litter control and prevention

2. To encourage the planting and preservation of trees, flowers, plants and shrubbery

3. To initiate programs that promote a cleaner, safer, healthier, and more beautiful community

4. To stimulate interest and action toward conservation of resources.

In a nutshell ~ we dig in the dirt, we pick up trash, we try not to waste, and we encourage others to do the same. We believe that our words and our actions should create an environment that we can be proud of. Since its creation in 2018, KEB volunteers have put their love for our community in action by spending countless hours picking up litter, planting trees, and encouraging others to respect the planet and all of the organisms that we share it with. We ARE the change!

Join us in making Ennis the most beautiful city in the great state of Texas.

ROTARYPARK

Located at 2300 Park Street, the former Jaycee Park has 35.5 acres and wraps around historic Old City Lake. It is the largest community park in Ennis and now has a cool, refreshing splash pad, which reopens in the spring. Another new feature is the outdoor National Fitness Center Fitness Court, the only one in Ellis County. Enjoy a game of pickleball or tennis at our outdoor courts or play some baseball on our practice diamonds.

Picnicking under one of multiple shaded gazebos around the playground is relaxing fun.

The park, which now has restrooms, connects to the adjoining Kiwanis Park via the Ivan Goodwin Walking Trail. Enjoy new, covered playgrounds, an extension of the Goodwin Trail, additional covered pavilions and lighted sand volleyball courts.

*See page 22 for information on other Ennis parks.

LAKEBARDWELLRESERVOIR

Ellis County is home to one of the largest recreational facilities in North Texas – Lake Bardwell Reservoir. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in the county.

Thousands of residents and tourists visit the 3,500-acre lake each year, enjoying fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, and just about any other outdoor activity within and along its 25 miles of shoreline. It is more than 5 miles long and more than 1 mile wide at its largest point.

Both the lake and surrounding campgrounds are maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which features a marina and several boat ramps. You can reach the marina at 972-646-5330.

Camping reservations or additional information is available at 972-875-5711 or recreation.gov.

Congress authorized construction of the reservoir of

the Bardwell Reservoir on March 31, 1960. Construction began in September 1963. Impoundment of water at the lake, which provides flood control and conservation platform for area water, began in November 1965. It cost more than $12 million to build.

Bardwell is known for its fishing, with bass, catfish and crappie the most-targeted catches.

ENNISVETERANSMEMORIAL

Ennis Veterans Memorial Park, located at 2301 Ennis Pkwy, was dedicated to those who are serving, have served, and gave up their lives to protect American freedom. The Veterans Memorial monuments honor veterans from each 20th and 21st Century U.S. military conflict.

In addition to the memorial site, there are three lighted competition football /soccer fields for league play and six youth soccer fields, available for use by reservation.

There is also a building for concession and restroom facilities, a 0.4 mile of walking paths, picnic tables and a children’s playground.

Veterans Memorial Park has been open to the public since August 2011, and many have enjoyed its recreational amenities since then. A salute in brick and mortar to the men and women of America’s Armed Forces, the memorial has been the backdrop for many local patriotic events.

Vietnam War veteran Gerry Wright has referenced how the AO (Agent Orange) monument erected at the Ennis site inspired him in his work to change the law governing health coverage for AO survivors. The memorial is now known nationally due to his campaign to secure better medical care for fellow sufferers of AO.

The memorial takes the form of a circular promenade with a centerpiece devoted to veterans and surrounding sections dedicated to specific conflicts, from World War I to the current War on Terror.

The stewards of the Ennis Veterans Memorial are pleased to incorporate the Jack Lummus Memorial, formerly located on the grounds of the old Ennis Chamber of Commerce property, and the new ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ bronze monument, which represents such a well-known scene carried out on so many battlefields over the years, to the Memorial.

“This Veterans Memorial has been blessed as Hallowed Ground, and therefore the City of Ennis and the Ennis Veterans Memorial Committee attempts to honor all Veterans of the past, present, and future with this premiere Veterans Memorial,” says Commandant Robert Bell, of the Ellis County Marine Corps League, and Ennis Veterans Memorial Committee member.

For more information, contact City of Ennis Parks Department at 972-875-1234.

ENNIS:HISTORYLIVESHERE T

he Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum is located on Northeast Main Street, along the railroad tracks, on Ennis Avenue.

The City of Ennis was established as a town in 1872 and was named after Cornelius Ennis, director of the Houston & Texas Central (H&TC) Railroad. Much of its history can be found at the museum.

Hours are TuesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays 1-4 p.m. Mondays are open only by appointment for group tours. Please call 972875-1901 or 972-878-4748 at least one week in advance for reservations.

The museum is housed in a former Van Noy restaurant building built in 1915. The restaurant served customers from the 10 passenger trains a day that once stopped in Ennis. The yellow wood-frame building to the north of the museum served as the ticket office and baggage building after the original two-story depot was destroyed by fire in the late 1930s. Located to the south of the museum is the former Wells Fargo freight office. The City of Ennis acquired the museum building from the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1991.

In 1871, the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, a forerunner of the Southern Pacific Railroad, purchased 647 acres of land in Ellis County at a price of $5.00 per acre, establishing the line’s northern terminus. It was on June 8, 1872 that the site was established as the City of Ennis.

Ennis was the banking and agricultural center of east Ellis County by the 1880s. Ennis National Bank, with capital of $100,000, held the title of the largest bank in the county in 1883. Many of the early settlers of this area were people from the East and South who were attracted by the rich Blackland Prairie soil, the railroad, and other business opportunities. In 1873, Jacob Shebasta, an immigrant from Czechoslovakia, was the first of many Eastern Europeans to make this area his home. Ennis retains a strong Czechoslovakian influence, and today is home to four Czech social halls as well as the annual National Polka Festival each May.

In 1891, the Texas & New Orleans Railroad, a part of the Southern Pacific system, established a division point in Ennis, leading to the construction of shops and a roundhouse. The citizens of Ennis contributed $25,000, 90 acres of land, and a 43 acre lake toward the project. A contract was drawn up stating that the railroad could

not move its shops out of town as long as the City of Ennis was able to provide water for the railroad’s use. The railroad was the key to the development of Ennis as an agricultural, commercial, and later, an industrial center. According to early resident Joseph Baldridge, “If Ennis had not obtained the shops and the superintendent’s offices, it would have remained only a small agricultural center.” Ennis was able to successfully combine the natural resources of its rich farm land with the transportation advantages offered by the railroad.

In May 1930, Ennis had become known as the place “Where Railroads and Cotton Fields Meet.” From its founding, various cultures have shaped the development of the City. In its earlier days, Ennis was a settlement town with a “wild west” reputation. At one time, the City had 13 saloons and six beer halls. The town also served as a stopping place for outlaw gangs including those of Cole Younger and Sam Bass; and the family of gunfighter John Wesley Hardin was among the city’s pioneers. Other cultures have also contributed to the history of Ennis. For example, Robert Martinez drove 3,200 head of cattle from Ennis to Montana along the Chisolm Trail in the late 19th century. Also, during the 1920s, Ennis resident Dr. Armour Rogers became one of the first practicing African American doctors in Ellis County. About our history:

• The City of Ennis was established in 1872.

• A record-making Texas League game with 8 homeruns was played in Ennis in 1902.

• Author and educator Katie Daffan, the first woman to head a state agency in Texas, lived in Ennis.

• In 1920 a total of 152,601 bales of cotton were ginned in Ellis County, the most of any county in America.

• Ennis is known as the Bluebonnet City because of the springtime beauty and abundance of the state flower in and around the city.

• U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, born in Ennis, posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in World War II. Lummus, a former Baylor University and New York Giants football star, was one of only two National Football League players to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, and he was inducted into the New York Giants Ring of Honor in 2015.

FUN&GAMESGALORE

• Bluebonnet Park: On Ennis Pkwy, west of Hwy 287, and follow the signs. Facility includes eight lighted ball fields, 10 acres of recreational open space, a two-acre fishing lake, and a 0.7-mile jogging path. Available for softball and baseball tournaments and attracts teams from all across the State.

• Community theaters: Theatre Rocks!, 505 NW Main St., 972-878-5126, www.theatrerocks.com and Ennis Public Theatre, 113 N. Dallas St., 972-878-7529, www. ennispublictheatre.com. See page 10 for more infomation.

• Disc golf: Located adjacent to the dam on the south end of Lake Clark, at 3000 W. Ennis Ave.

• Big O Speedway: Located east of Ennis, the facility offers dirt track racing on weekends March-October.

• E.I.S.D. Tennis Center: 9 championship quality tennis courts (4 indoors), snack bar, and pro shop.

• Ennis Golden Circle Senior Activity Center: Located at 1700 Floyd St., aims to keep the senior citizens of Ennis mentally, physically and spiritually active. Call the center at 972-875-6101 or check their website for event information. www.ennisgoldencircle.com.

• Lions Lanes: Bowling and family fun, 2303 W. Ennis Ave.

• Galaxy Drive-In Theatre features seven screens.

• The Gameroom: 807 W. Lake Bardwell Dr., 469-881-1022

• Golf is open to the public at Red Oak Valley Golf Club in Red Oak and the Old Brickyard course in Ferris.

• Highview Park at Lake Bardwell: Picnic and/or swim. This park requires a facility use fee per carload. For camping reservations, please call 972-875-5711 or go to recreation.gov.

• Highview Marina at Lake Bardwell: 972-646-5330.

• Lake Clark Park: Found on the west end of Baldridge Street, it is a perfect place to have a picnic, to fish, to play on the playground, or to take a walk with a lake view. Check out Kachina Prairie and the bison statue there.

• Lions Park: Corner of Hall and Lampasas streets.

• Meadow View Nature Area: 972-878-4748 for hours.

• Minnie McDowal Park is a unique gathering spot for families located at 119 N. Dallas featuring a gazebo, art wall and water feature.

• Opry: Located in the old Bristol School, about 15 minutes east of Ennis, the Opry features local talent performing live on stage. The show goes on the fourth Saturday of each month at 7 p.m., except in December. The Bardwell Opry, located in the Bardwell Community Center, is every fifth Saturday.

• Puppy Patch Dog Park: 302 N. Dallas St., is sure to be a favorite stop for the dog in your family!

• Railroad & Cultural Heritage Museum: 972-875-1901.

• Rotary Park: 2300 Park St. At 35.5 acres, it is the largest community park in Ennis. Features a splash pad, National Fitness Center Fitness Court, pickleball/tennis courts, baseball practice diamond, gazebos, and playground. Connects to Kiwanis Park via 3/4 mile Ivan Goodwin Walking trail. Fishing allowed with proper license.

• Sugar Ridge Winery in Bristol offers local wines, a private tasting room, and reception area.

• Texas Motorplex: 972-878-2641.

• Veterans Memorial Park at 2301 Ennis Parkway features a veterans memorial and athletic fields. Youth soccer is a favorite.

• Xtreme Raceway Park Ferris: Info on Facebook.

DISCOVERNEWDOWNTOWNENNIS

For years the hopes of a city whose downtown was seriously damaged and, faced with the likelihood of never coming back, had a fresh vision born in the hearts of people. Pacing back and forth like a new father, the revitalization of the Bluebonnet City came to blooming life. Nearly 20,000 residents have witnessed the growth of new housing sectors and incoming businesses. They have sprung up along the I-45 corridor and in downtown, a mile west of the interstate.

May 13, 2013 was the date when 13 local twisters ravaged the area, including one that strolled down midtown toward the east on Ennis Avenue. Once the effects, which included the loss of vitality between McKinney and Main, had taken their toll, what rose from the collapsed heap of bricks was a new-found purpose. Ideas of rebuilding and restoring began to outnumber thoughts of vacating and starting over elsewhere.

Right in the middle of it all the Historical Society

helped foster a desire to parlay seeming defeat into a spirit of revival.

Even old buildings that had perhaps outlived their usefulness have seen investors step in to do much more than a face-lift. Work has been completed on Dallas Street, including a huge undertaking beneath the five blocks of North and South Dallas.

Minnie McDowal Park, formerly a theatre downtown, has been a huge benefactor. So have plans for new restaurants and night life, retail, offices, apartments and lofts, banking and a fenced in dog park at North Plaza. The city’s heartbeat is alive and well.

Festivals and wholesome events that fill the calendar make Ennis a growing destination for families. A multi-cultural mesh give credence to sustaining that life for years to come. Most of the venues bring thousands of people, and then there are the 40,000 that flock to Memorial Weekend’s National Polka Festival.

The magnetic appeal of Ennis is related directly to the vibrant life of this community. It’s alive, and contagious.