2013 Old River-Winfree Founders Day Contest Sponsors Announced

The businesses in our area are always there for us when we need them.  Supporting a small community like Old River-Winfree in their celebration of history and pride is what these businesses do.

They are your friends and neighbors and deserve so much recognition, because they never let us down.

The following businesses were announced as Contest Sponsors at the May 13, 2013 Old River-Winfree City Council meeting for the 2013 Old River-Winfree Founders Day, a City Sponsored Event.

• Barbers Hill Bank – 3K/5K Run/ Walk Benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project in Memory of Pfc Wesley R. Riggs
• Sam’s Express – “My Best Friend” Dog Contest Sponsor
• Carnes Engineering – Pie, Cupcake, Cake Bake-off and Auction
• Dane Listi, Attorney at Law – Old River Country Natural Beauty Contest
• R&L Auto Supply – Classic Car and Truck Contest

We also are sponsored by the City of Old River-Winfree as a City Event, as mentioned above;  Advertising Expense is sponsored by Chambers County Commissioner’s Court.

Visit their website at orwfoundersday.com and their Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/ORWFD

To volunteer, email info@orwfoundersday.com

 

R & L Auto Supply in Old River-Winfree Presented With 2013 ORWFD “Business of the Year” Award

John Farley, Manager of R&L Auto Supply in Old River-Winfree, receives the ORWFD 2013 “Business of the Year” Award from Colleen Fontenot, ORWFD President and Old River-Winfree City Council member

R & L Auto Supply established in 1984 is located on FM 1409 in Old River-Winfree.  In a long held tradition, R & L has supported it’s community by providing dependable, quality auto parts and hardware for your home, inside and out.  They have this and much more.  See their link below from the Old River-Winfree Community News page.

They have also backed Old River-Winfree Founders Day since it’s inception in 2008 with the ORWFD Classic Car and Truck Contest.  2012 was a record breaking year for entries and they look forward to the 2013 Event the second weekend in October.  R & L sponsors the entire event with unique trophies, food, and even a band!

So thanks R&L for backing Old River-Winfree and Old River-Winfree Founders Day.

For more information what R & L Auto Supply carries click on this link  R & L Auto Supply.

Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RandLautosupply?fref=ts

2012 ORWFD Classic Car and Truck Show a Complete Success

Nowhere but Small Town USA can you find the best people and the most fun, and Old River-Winfree is a perfect example.

R&L Auto Supply, Page’s Paint & Body, and Mont Belvieu Auto Supply really put on the Ritz, hometown style.

Lots of Classic cars and trucks, PLUS a vintage Tractor and Motorcycle, really showed their shine at the 2012 ORWFD Classic Car & Truck Show.

It doesn’t get any better that this ORWFD Event put on at R&L Auto in good old Old River-Winfree.  

See some of the pictures below!

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Entries are Still Coming in for Old River-Winfree Founders Day

It is not too late to get your entries in.  Moms are scrabbling, pet owners are calling, vendors are registering, bakers are baking.  It is so great to see how our communities are coming out to support Founders Day.

So, it is not to late, even up to an hour before the event.  Come one, come all!

We took some pictures of the trophies for the Mr/Miss Old River Country Natural Beauty Pageant with the sashes and crowns.  The pictures do not do them justice!  They are bigger and better than ever.  Participation trophies, too lets everyone go home with something!

Contact Linda at 281-385-1735 (City Hall) for information on entries OR contact the Chairperson listed on the entry forms.

Go to http://www.orwfoundersday.com for all the forms, events and information!

See you’ll there!!

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1800′s Publication – “New Settler Heading to Old River Country”

We are still heading West,not much luck here,lots of swamp land. Too boggy for settlers,scouts are ahead of us by 1 day.We have word sent back from him Indians are present and river is near to high flat ground….With this high technology we have on board our wagons,we will be arriving where our scout is in 3 days…. just pulled the tents up and headed west….  

 

Come join us at Old River-Winfree Founders Day to greet these settlers!  See how they lived, cooking utensils, what they faced when they settled here in Old River and Winfree!

See Old River-Winfree Historian and Artifacts Caretaker, Boyce Morris, with unique artifacts from the 1800′s.  BRING THE CAMERA!!

Lots of Contests for the whole family!

 

2012 Old River-Winfree Founders Day Sponsors!

Old River-Winfree Founders Day Gearing up for the Fourth Annual October 12 & 13th

Free Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Rock Wall, Mechanical Bull, Mini-Carousel!  ”Rolling Thunder” Tribute!!  Vendors such as Avon, Scentsy, Tupperware, Studio Bobbie, Martin Birdhouses, Custom Walking Canes, Coffee Bar, Mary Kay.  Food Vendors from fried fish to Boudain Tamales, Frito Pies to Barbque!

See Ken Pridgeon of “Portrait of a Warrior”, Author Jean L. Epperson, Historical Artifacts of Old River-Winfree and a Historical Reenactment!

Enter the Bakeoff (cash prizes), “My Best Friend” Dog Contest (lots of fun), 5K Run/Walk, Motorcycle Contest, Old River Country Natural Beauty Pageant and have an all around great time.

Something for everyone this year.  

Visit www.orwfoundersday.com and find out what all the talk is about!

It’s the 1800′s and New Settlers are Coming to Take a Look at Old River and Winfree!

“We have a few settlers looking for a great place to settle and call home.I hear there is a nice river to our West!We are out about a month away!We hear their are indians near and troubles,we are prepared and will be there soon!!! “

Signed, Billy Wallace, III

The Historical Reenactment, Historical Artifacts, Historical Living, and, this year, the Chambers County Historical Commission really add so much to Old River-Winfree Founders Day.  

How they lived, the tools they used, their living conditions are displayed so beautifully, you will run out of film in that camera.

Billy Wallace, III and his posse add to the excitement with their Historical Reenactment.

We have everything at Old River-Winfree Founders Day and it’s all FREE except for the contests!

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Old River-Winfree Founders Day has FREE Rock Wall, Mini-Carousel, Mechanical Bull, and My Little Farm Moonwalk

Come spend the day with us at Old River-Winfree Founders Day on October 12 and 13!  Free rides, DJ, Fun, Fun, Fun Contest, Chambers County Historical Commission, Ken “The Dauber” Pridgeon (Portrait of a Warrior Museum), Jean L. Epperson Book Signing, Old River-Winfree Historical Artifacts, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Birds of Old River Country Exhibit, Historical Reenactment, and much, much more.

Go to orwfoundersday.com to find out what a FUN, FAMILY event we offer!

Registrations Coming in for the Old River-Winfree Founders Day 5K Run/Walk Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project in Memory of Pfc Wesley R. Riggs

Online registrations and Mail-in Registrations are coming in, so be sure and get registered to run or walk for a deserving project, The Wounded Warrior Project!

The first 50 get a T-Shirt with their packet!

Not much time left until Race Day on October 13th!

Go to orwfoundersday.com and click on FORMS to register online or print and mail in your entry with your payment!

While you are on the website, visit the events page to see what else is going on that day.  Stay with us and experience HISTORY!

See you there!

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Barbers Hill Bank in Mont Belvieu Sponsoring the 2012 5K Run-Walk October 13, 2012

True patriots are always recognized by their actions.  Barbers Hill Bank, a branch of Anahuac National Bank, has proven this time and again.

Bob Allen at Barbers Hill Bank gave the go ahead for the 3rd year of Exclusively Sponsoring the 5K Run/Walk Benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project in Memory of Pfc. Wesley R. Riggs.  

Pfc Riggs graduated in three years from Barbers Hill High School and then felt the call to fight for America’s way of life and freedom.  He joined the Army and was eventually sent to Iraq where he gave the ultimate sacrifice in May 2005 in Tikrit, Iraq.   His story can be found at http://www.orwfoundersday.com.

Runners and Walkers come from far and wide to support this event.  The “Rolling Thunder” Tribute right before the race is made up by Christian Motorcyclists from Beaumont, Dayton, Mont Belvieu, and areas in between.

It is a truly honorable event for all concerned and seems to bring out the pride in America that patriots have.

Want to join the “Rolling Thunder” tribute or the race itself?  Just go to the website at http://www.orwfoundersday.com and click on Events.  You can see all the events of Saturday, October 13th and read what Old River-Winfree Founders Day is all about……..Family!

“Rolling Thunder” Tribute, Motorcycle Contest Sponsored by A-Automotive, Mont Belvieu

Talk about a perfect fit!  Chris Arnold and A-Automotive!  Chris is a true American Patriot, so what better event to sponsor than the “Rolling Thunder” Tribute along with the Motorcycle Contest immediately following!  He is even going to serve breakfast to the “Riders”

The “Rolling Thunder” Tribute rides right before the Old River-Winfree Founders Day 5K Run/Walk that benefits the Wounded Warrior Project in Memory of Pfc Wesley R. Riggs.   

At this time, the Riders are starting from A-Automotive and rolling down FM 565 towards Old River-Winfree.  They will then take a turn on FM 1409 and followed by the ride through the Run Route in Woodland Acres.

We invite all who wish to participate in this moving, jaw-dropping, “kids got to see” event.

Just call the Circuit Riders-Mont Belviue Chapter at 713-402-8982 for all the information.

The 2012 Old River-Winfree Founders day is set for October 12 and 13, 2012.  The “Rolling Thunder” Tribute and the 5K Race, along with all other contests and vendors, are scheduled on Saturday.

Come join us!

Entry form and Parade Flyer are below!  Feel free to print out and pass around! This is a really great event and grows every year!

Contact info@orwfoundersday.com for more information on Founders Day!

 

2012 ORWFD Announces “My Best Friend” Kids Dog Contest Sponsored by Sam’s Express!

They are the ones that greet us at the door;  the ones that are in the back yard yapping up a storm, jumping for joy, and dancing around just because we are home, finally.

They guard our children, our homes, our lives; and let us know when danger is around real or perceived by them.

They help us to remember our childhood; those days of carefree abandon.  Before we knew the world was not always nice.

We are so busy and caught up in our lives; but look down into their eyes and see such love, unconditional love, loyalty, and devotion even though sometimes we forget to let them out and shame them because they potty on the floor.  Sometimes their food bowl goes empty a little too long and we wonder why they are gnawing on the furniture.  We forget to fill their water bowl and wonder why they drink out of the toilet.

Sometimes forgotten in the back yard, they stand vigil for us, their family.

WELL…..this event is for THEM.  IT IS ALL ABOUT THEM!!!  We don’t care if they are ugly, dressed up, not dressed up, big, small. funny, talented, not so talented, or what.  They are a part of your family and they are welcome in the “My Best Friend” Dog Show.

The only thing we ask is that they are vaccinated and you bring proof of that vaccination.  Linda Murphy, City Secretary has chosen this event to head up as she absolutely adores her little dog.

SO! Come one, come all!  Bring them to show off; the good, the bad, and the ugly.  THIS IS THEIR EVENT!!  Their time of petting, and loving, and joy!

Visit “My Best Friend” Kids Dog Contest to learn more.

Entry Form can be found at  “My Best Friend” Kids Dog Show Entry Form

Or print from this post:

Sam’s Express #2 on FM 1409 in Old River-Winfree is Sponsoring the 2012 ORWFD Dog Show

From the 2010 ORWFD Dog Show!

 

Old River-Winfree Founders Day is bringing back the popular Dog Show in 2012!

The team at Sam’s Express has agreed to sponsor that event this year.Stop by and say a big, Texas thanks for supporting our community!!

 

Old River-Winfree Founders Day 2012 Kick-Off Meeting to be Held Monday March 26th

The Old River-Winfree Founders Day 2012 Kick-Off Meeting is set for March 26, 2012, 6:30 p.m. at the City of Old River-Winfree Complex.

Volunteers are needed.  We have a place for you!!

 

Boyce Morris, Old River-Winfree Volunteer of the Year, IS a True Volunteer

All we had to do was ask Boyce!  It seems hard to keep someone weed eating and mowing around the Historical Marker by the Old River Bridge on FM 1409.

We’ve tried everything and everyone to keep this Texas State Historical Marker clean and fresh for those tourist that do the Historical Marker Run!

Solution?  Call Boyce.  He was told about the marker and the problem with keeping it up and he immediately said, “I’ll take care of it!”.     That is one of the MANY reasons Boyce is “Volunteer of the Year”.

He already takes care of the Texas State Historical Marker at the end of Woodland Lane.  Bet you didn’t even know there was one there!  There is a more than a 100 year old cemetery back there. 

The rock and clearing around the River Historical Marker was originally placed by the Old River-Winfree Founders Day.

Thanks so much to a good, kind, church-going man like Boyce Morris for always lending a helping hand where he can!

Thanks Boyce!

Above is Mr. Boyce Morris at the 2011 Old River-Winfree Founders Day.  He presents and displays the Historical Artifacts of Old River-Winfree proudly!

ORWFD Team Meeting and Banquet Set for March 13, 2012

The first regular meeting of the Old River-Winfree Founders Day Team will be on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 in the Old River-Winfree Community Building.

This will be a Banquet-style meeting with catered food and Mr. Jeanette Green will be awarded the Volunteer of the Year for Old River-Winfree Founders Day.

If you want to get in on this fabulous event and volunteer, this is a great time to do it.

All are asked to RSVP to info@orwfoundersday.com as quickly as possible!

Old River-Winfree Volunteer of the Year and the Anchor that Grounds Him

Old River-Winfree Volunteer of the Year              Press Release         January 12, 2012

On January 9, 2012, at the regularly scheduled Old River-Winfree City Council meeting, Boyce Morris, Jr., Historian and Curator for the Old River-Winfree Founders Day was named the town’s “Volunteer of the Year.”

If you don’t know Boyce Morris, you don’t know what a terrific guy he is.  Following in the footsteps of Mr. Harry Daves, Boyce has gathered artifacts and housed them for years that pertain to the historical value of the Old River and the City of Old River-Winfree. 

One of the most visited events of the Old River-Winfree Founders Day is the Old River-Winfree Historical Artifacts presented by Mr. Morris.  Beautiful displays and knowledgeable conversation make it a unique experience.  

The anchor, shown in this picture with Boyce, was the center of attention as you walked in the Community Building at the 2011 Old River-Winfree Founders Day.  The frame was built by the Old River-Winfree Volunteer Fire Department. 

The anchor was spotted in the Old River by Mr. Harry Daves  in 1947.   At the time of this discovery, the river level was down and a very low tide had occurred.   Mrs. Jeffie Daves, widow of Harry Daves, donated the anchor to Boyce and the future Old River-Winfree Historical Museum.  Mr.  Daves was an active member of the Chambers County Historical Commission and dedicated historian.

Historic Old River and the outpost of Straddle are Explored by Boyce Morris, Jr. and the Traverso Family

In the center of the picture is the location of the old ferry that crossed Old River.

The History of our Historic Old River is beginning to come to the forefront as the original settlers families come back to the area as they hear about Old River-Winfree Founders Day and what we are trying to do here with a museum and the Economic Development of the area through the History of the Old River.

Boyce Morris, Jr. is the Historian of Old River-Winfree Founders Day.  To read more about him and his mentor Harry Daves, please click on this link http://www.orwfoundersday.com/Old-River-Winfree-History.html.  I can just imagine Boyce and his wife Mary’s excitement to walk with these other family Historians And to walk in the steps of the original settlers of the Old River.

There is one thing about Old River-Winfree, if we want anything done, we have to do it ourselves.  The County seems to acknowledge Anahuac, Wallisville, Winnie, and Mont Belvieu, but continually ignore the Old River.  

As we endeavor through the efforts of the Old River-Winfree Founders Day Team and the expertise and commitment of Boyce Morris, Jr., we continue to try to put our Old River on the map as a beautiful river of untapped Natural Resources teaming in birds and fish.

This Slideshow is called “Unexplored History of the Old River”

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If you would like information on how to join us, you may contact info@orwfoundersday.com and we will gladly start the process of putting you on our team!

ORWFD 2011 “Rolling Thunder” Tribute Hits FM 1409 and “Rolls” Over the Historic Old River Bridge

The 2011 ORWFD “Rolling Thunder” Tribute was, in my opinion, the best yet!  Organized by Wayne Anderson and the Circuit Riders – Mont Belvieu Chapter and joined by other Circuit Rider Chapters. The Silsbee Archangels are always show stoppers on this Annual “Honor” ride!

After crossing the Old River Bridge, the “Tribute” headed to the ORW Community Building where the Annual Motorcycle Contest was held.  If you missed this show and contest is was your loss.  They are magnificent!  

Winners were announce under the “Big Tent” and awarded the special Patriot Trophies of the Eagle in Flight surrounded by the American Flag.

Thanks again to the Old River-Winfree Volunteer Fire Department for their commitment to this event and for letting Jamie Anderson ride on the top of the Firetruck where most all these great pictures were taken from.  Thanks Westlake Voluteer Fire Department for keeping them all in line by taking up the rear of the Tribute!

God Bless you all.  You Honor God, the Warriors, Pfc Wesley R. Riggs, the Runners, Walkers, Organizers of the 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk, and our town of Old River-Winfree!

“Ride on”!!!

Colleen Fontenot

2011 President

Old River-Winfree Founders Day

 

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Sam’s Express in Old River-Winfree Continues to Support the Community

Sam’s Express on the corner of Woodland Lane and FM 1409 has always supported Old River-Winfree from the time they moved in the newly renovated store.

This year, Sam’s Express, sponsored a T-Shirt (again) and supplied all the drinks and the after 5K Run/Walk Race Party goodies.

Thanks so much for being the Patriots you are and for supporting Old River-Winfree Founders Day!!!!

Thanks Alex and Sonny!!!!!!