By Bobby Tingle

 

I apologize to the “Trashy Ladies”.

I do not apologize for calling them by the name they have chosen for themselves.

When I first encountered this group I realized they had a sense of humor and a flair for attracting attention to themselves for their cause.

Their chosen name seems to give evidence of these qualities.

But they are best known for their work and passion to beautify Orange!

They have a volunteer organization, Keep Orange County Beautiful and they are aligned with Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.

Two members of the group approached me this week about the ‘political’ jab I wrote in a column intended to encourage others to get involved.

I am guilty as charged.

I cannot claim I am a victim.

I cannot hide behind the excuse, “every one else is doing it.”

(My poor children tried to use this excuse. My response to them was always, “well if every one jumped off a cliff would you follow?”)

So I must take personal responsibility for my ‘political’ jab. Perhaps I do believe what I said. But should I use my beliefs to detract from the fine work of this fine organization?

So I apologize, because I am at it again and because the City of Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau are also at it again.

Promoting Orange that is!

Every year the CVB fills the sky with booms, pops, sizzle and dazzling colors for the young and the old to behold.

They do so at the annual 4^th of July Concert and Fireworks celebration.

This year, as always, the event will take place at the Riverfront Pavilion on the banks of the Sabine River.

Mix Fixxer will begin the concert at 4 p.m.

Band members include; Dickey Woodard, Keith Bowman, Wes Day and Josh Courts.

Mixx Fixxer, according to their website, are Rockers from Southeast Texas.

If you visit www.mixxfixxer.com you can view photos of the group, which appear to span a fair number of years. One black and white photo displays several young men and a young lady. They look like a rock band from my own youth.

Dustin Sonnier comes in for the entertainment nightcap performance. Sonnier is no stranger to Orange music lovers. He was in the entertainment lineup at the Sabine River Festival during the Bassmasters Elite Series event this month.

Closing out the event is the annual fireworks display.

It should be awesome!

Kids are welcome with activities planned for their entertainment. Food and drink vendors will be on hand. You can also bring your own cooler.

In mid July the CVB will present Rumble on the River 2018.

This event will be held at the City of Orange Boat Ramp.

H2O Racing will bring their high-energy show featuring contestants from Texas, Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Georgia racing on jet skis.

Bring your lawn chair and cooler. Vendors will be on-site and the kiddos can enjoy a bounce house.

You can find out more at the Orange Convention and Visitors Bureau website and Facebook page.

You will also find an opportunity to get involved.

According to a recent post the CVB is looking for volunteers to be a part of their advisory board.

Do you have ideas for promoting tourism? Do you have a passion for bringing folks to Orange?

This could be your opportunity to channel your passion.

Every community event organizer will tell you the importance of volunteers. Whether keeping Orange beautiful or helping to make a Bassmaster event possible the heart and soul of the success of these efforts are volunteers.

So do it.

Bobby Tingle is publisher of The Orange Leader. You can reach him at bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com.