PALESTINE — The Texas Historical Commission’s Texas Heritage Trails Program, a tourism initiative that helps Texas communities promote tourism and foster community leadership through historic preservation, is encouraging travelers to see East Texas’s fall foliage.

As breezes bring cooler weather, country roads are speckled with falling leaves ranging from gold to crimson to amber. Take advantage of these refreshing temperatures and venture through the Texas Forest Trail Region, where autumn is taking hold. Although Texas has never gained a reputation for brilliant fall color, East Texas boasts some of the best and brightest foliage in the state.

One the best ways to enjoy the East Texas color is to climb aboard the Texas State Railroad, which offers a historic ride on restored vintage steam or diesel trains. The service offers numerous excursions including a route winding between the Palestine and Rusk depots.

For a free Texas Forest Trail Region brochure or additional heritage tourism brochures featuring other areas of the state call 1-866-276-6219 or visit www.thc.state.tx.us/travel. To learn more about deep East Texas foliage spots email info@visitnacogdoches.org. For Texas State Railroad information, visit www.texasstaterr.com. For additional information on Texas travel events and vacation destinations, visit www.TravelTex.com for a free Texas State Travel Guide or call 1-800-8888-TEX.



Toy, food drive Saturday

The Palestine Rangers Company A will be in front of Wal-Mart Saturday conducting a toy drive and taking contributions towards the purchase of food for needy families of Anderson County.

All proceeds will go toward helping less fortunate families in Anderson County.



Adopt-a-Wreath Program starting

Meals on Wheels of Palestine is implementing it’s inaugural Adopt-A-Wreath Program. Participants of Meals on Wheels, along with volunteers, will be crafting fall/Thanksgiving and Christmas wreaths to be delivered and placed on Meals on Wheels homebound homes.

“We would sincerely appreciate your sponsorships and/or your time in support of this worthy cause,” a MOW news release said. All donations to this project will be used in the implementation of this program and additional funds will go toward MOW activities.

Corporate sponsorship is $150. Individual sponsorship is $35.

Call MOW at 903-729-0255 to register for sponsorship or to volunteer to help with this project.



Native presents art show

Wildlife artist Walt Cude held an art show at House of Fine Art & Antique Gallery in Fort Worth recently.

Cude is a Palestine native who graduated from Palestine High School.

His sister Lorine Cude Jenkins still lives in Palestine.



Turkey Bingo set Thursday

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus will hold its annual Turkey Bingo event at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Line Street.

Tickets are $7 per each. Everyone that wins will receive a frozen turkey for Thanksgiving.

A baked goods auction also will be featured.