The Kiwanis Club is thrilled to announce the winners of the 4th of July Home Decorating Contest. Homeowners displayed incredible patriotism to mark America’s historic 250th anniversary. The standout displays that captured the judges’ hearts:
1st Place: Kim Shoemaker, 263 Raton Pass
2nd Place: Debbie Hart, 1806 Holly Trail East
Kiwanis President John Taylor announced the winners at the 4th of July Hot Dog Event. Kim Shoemaker and her family were on hand to receive 1st Prize which is a 2-year subscription to the Kiwanis flag program. Thanks to all the homeowners who helped fill our streets with red, white, and blue spirit for the Semiquincentennial!
4th of July Hot Dog Sales Event
Holly Hall was packed with patriotic spirit on the 4th of July as the annual Kiwanis Hot Dog Event opened its doors at the culmination of the Holly Lake Ranch Golf Cart Parade. Swarms of holiday visitors filled the hall to enjoy hot dogs, chips, and cold drinks while celebrating one of the community’s favorite Independence Day traditions.
This year’s event may have set a new attendance record, judging from the size of the crowd and the hundreds of hot dogs, chips and drinks that Kiwanis sold. The strong turnout made the day especially memorable and underscored how much residents and visitors look forward to this annual holiday gathering.
Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration and helped make this year’s Kiwanis 4th of July Hot Dog Event such a success.
Hawkins Helping Hand Food Drive
Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy delivered a truckload of essential groceries to Hawkins Helping Hand on June 30th collected from a summertime community food drive. The targeted drive focused on restocking the food pantry’s shelves to ensure local school children do not go hungry during summer vacation. For many area kids, summer break means losing regular access to reliable school breakfast and lunch programs.
The community supported the effort through collection boxes placed at CNB and Origin Banks located outside Holly Lake Ranch. The drive received a major financial boost when Origin Bank customer Ritchie Hartman stepped forward with a generous cash donation of $250, which was used to purchase additional food items for the pantry.
The collected items targeted kid-friendly, shelf-stable meals and snacks. Kiwanis members Laura Smith and Michael Laurel loaded up the donations and personally delivered it to Hawkins Helping Hand. Thanks to the generosity of local bank partners, thoughtful donors, and hardworking Kiwanis volunteers, local families will have a much-needed buffer against food insecurity during the remaining summer months.
Kiwanis Helps East Texas Food Bank
A dedicated team of volunteers from Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy rolled up their sleeves on “5th Monday”, June 29th, at the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler. The volunteer lineup included Michael & Kathleen Laurel, Ben & Terri Zetsche, JoAnn Powell, Rose Upton, Laura Smith, and Christina Drake, and her daughter, Chandler Cook. The group focused their efforts on sorting, packing, and preparing essential resources for families across the region. The team started by packing boxes filled with essential food and beverage items. These packages will be deployed to various distribution sites across East Texas.
After a well-deserved short break, the volunteers pivoted to the bulk station, where they measured, sealed, and packed individual 1-pound bags of rice. The final tally for the day was highly impressive:
96 boxes of food and beverages fully packed and ready for delivery.
816 pounds of rice portioned out into individual family-sized bags.
This incredible effort directly translates into hundreds of meals for our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to represent Kiwanis and make a meaningful difference in our broader East Texas community!
2026 Kids Fishing Competition
The Hole 12 pond at Holly Lake Ranch was buzzing with excitement on the warm and humid morning of June 2nd as 22 eager youngsters gathered for the annual Kids Fishing Competition. Armed with rods, reels, and plenty of patience, the young competitors cast their lines in hopes of taking home a trophy or a special prize.
It did not take long for the action to start. Soon after the opening horn, Braxton Monroe pulled up the first fish of the day, earning himself a brand-new rod and reel. The patient anglers soon began reeling in fish after fish. Every catch was carefully weighed by volunteers before being safely released back into the pond.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped at the event and to these sponsors for their support:
The event was hosted by Warren Blesh, Bruce Slaven, Craig Mervine, Brandon Belcher & Gene Wiley who also provided lures for the kids and the rod and reel prize for the first fish caught.
Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy for the trophies and donuts.
Origin Bank for giving tackle boxes and sunglasses to each contestant and providing cold water.
Kids Fishing Tournament Results
First Fish Caught: Braxton Monroe
1st Place: Jaycee Edens (1.71 pounds)
2nd Place: Ezra Willis (1.64 pounds)
3rd Place: Lucas Garcia Edens (1.05 pounds)
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the next generation of anglers and make this year’s tournament a swimming success!
Kiwanis Helps HLVFD at Bingo Night
The concession stand at the Holly Lake Ranch VFD hummed with extra energy on Saturday, May 30th, thanks to a dynamic team-up between the Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy and the fire department.
Kiwanis volunteers completely took over the operations of the concession stand for the evening, ensuring bingo players stayed fueled and happy. The dedicated crew divided and conquered the kitchen with absolute precision. Laura Smith and Dianne Robinson greeted hungry patrons and took orders at the service window, while Michael Laurel kept the grill sizzling with hot dogs. Rose Upton meticulously prepared delicious desserts, and JoAnn Powell kept the condiment station fully prepped and organized. Ensuring the operation never skipped a beat, Cara Kraft and Sharon Lindquist worked tirelessly to keep the front window fully stocked with fresh snacks.
The partnership is part of an ongoing commitment by the Kiwanis Club to staff the bingo concession stand at the VFD during months with a fifth Saturday. The Kiwanis team will be back in the kitchen on August 29th and October 31st. A massive thank you goes out to all the hard-working volunteers who donated their Saturday evening, and to every community member who stopped by the window to grab a snack and support these two incredible local organizations.
Hawkins ISD Duct Tape Boat Race
The girls dominated at the Hawkins ISD Duct Tape Boat Race at Holly Lake on Thursday, May 14th. The freshman biology class of Hawkins High School came up with some creative boats made of only carboard and duct tape to sail across the lake. It was exciting watching those who made it from shore to shore and entertaining to watch those who didn’t. All in all, it was a fun day for the kids and the spectators who lined the shore in their golf carts and lawn chairs.
Volunteers from Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy served the kids a hot dog lunch before the event got underway. Our thanks to JoAnn Powell, Christina Drake, Cherie Leingang, Rose Upton, Michael Laurel, Laura Smith, Sharon Lindquist, Cara Kraft, Wayne Gorman, and TX-OK Div 34 Lt. Governor Roy Shockey for helping out.
Spectators on shore had a good time predicting which of the vessels would actually make it to the other side and which of the sailors would end up swimming for safety. Some of the watercraft showed some real engineering while others looked like a last minute homework project.
When the racing was done the winners were:
1st Place – Addison with a time of 1:36
2nd Place – Aubrey finished in 2:06
3rd Place – Camo came in close at 2:07
Other awards were presented for:
Most Creative Boat
School Spirit Award
The Titanic Award
The Captains Award
The Most Beautiful Boat
The Best Engineered Boat
The Hawkins High School Freshman students showcased their engineering prowess and provided Holly Lake residents with an afternoon of hilarious fun on the water.
Kiwanis 2026 Scholarships
The Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy proudly awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarships during a special luncheon on Wednesday, May 13th, at Holly Hall. We are incredibly proud of this impressive group of young scholars. Here are our 2026 scholarship winners and where they will continue their studies.
Harmony High School:
Triniti Mauk – Oklahoma Baptist University
Avery Hogue – University of Arkansas
Emma Belcher – Texas A&M
Caroline Denman – University of Arkansas
Hawkins High School:
Karsyn Johnson – Tyler Junior College
Shianne Burnam – Stephen F. Austin State University
Addison Turrentine – Texas A&M
Big Sandy High School:
Skylar Hamberg – Stephen F. Austin State University
Izabell Christensen – University of Texas at Tyler
Homeschooled:
Austyn Fuller – Tyler Junior College
These bright individuals plan to pursue diverse fields of study, including environmental science, education, biology, agricultural business, animal science, nursing, and more. Their dedication and academic accomplishments have set them apart, and we are confident they will continue to achieve great things. We wish them the absolute best and continued success as they head off to colleges and universities across the country for their future studies!
Kiwanis Supports C.A.S.T. for Kids at Lake Fork
Our Kiwanis club was proud to serve as a Bronze Sponsor for the annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Saturday, May 9th, at Pope’s Landing on the shores of Lake Fork. This was a heart-warming initiative that brings the joy of the outdoors to children with special needs. Dedicated Kiwanis members JoAnn Powell, Laura Smith, Dianne Robinson, Michael Laurel, and friend of Kiwanis, Bill Case, gave their time to serve as shore volunteers. The catch of the day was a huge 7 pound catfish that one of the young participants reeled in.
After the fishing was done, the celebration continued on shore as the young anglers were treated to a delicious lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, followed by cool, refreshing treats from the Kona Ice truck. To commemorate the day, every child and their boat captain received a special plaque to honor their participation and hard work on the water.
The C.A.S.T. for Kids event was a resounding success as it gave the 22 children and their caretakers a refreshing break from daily challenges.
The participants and volunteers are already looking forward to next year’s event!
Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off
The community gathered at Holly Hall Saturday, February 21st, for the annual Kiwanis Chili Cook-off and Fundraiser. With 20 contestants vying for the top spot, the event showcased a remarkable variety of recipes that ranged from tongue-tingling spicy to family-friendly mild. The competition featured something for everyone, including chilis with and without beans, traditional beef chilis, a standout chicken chili and Tina Beall’s beloved annual tradition: a comforting potato soup specifically for those who can’t eat chili. Beyond the chili, the Kiwanis Club ensured no guest went thirsty or hungry. Attendees enjoyed free water and lemonade to cool down between tastings, followed by delicious cake for dessert to round out the meal. The chilis were judged blind to ensure that every entry is evaluated solely on its own merits, free from any personal bias or favoritism. After much deliberation by the judges and attendees, the 2026 champions were crowned:
Crystal Burns | 1st Place | Beans CategoryCara Kraft | 2nd Place | Beans CategoryCKI-Jarvis Christian University | 1st Place | No BeansJohn White | 2nd Place | No Beans CategoryTrish LaPointe | 50/50 Raffle | $151 Cash Prize
Trish LaPointe from the Holly Lake Ranch Dog Shelter won $151 in prize money in the 50/50 Raffle.
The Kiwanis Club of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy extends a heartfelt thanks to all the chefs, volunteers, and community members who made this year’s fundraiser a sizzling success!
Kiwanis Helps Texas Ramp Project
Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy played Santa Claus for the Texas Ramp Project this year. Jeff Mulkey from the Texas Ramp Project told Kiwanis, “We built ramp number 38 for the year this morning and our old saw that was on its last leg finally died.” Kiwanis came to the rescue with a donation of a miter saw, table saw and a lithium battery pack valued at $699.
Kiwanis members JoAnn Powell and Rose Upton presented the donations to Jeff Mulkey on December 23, 2025, just in time for Christmas! Kiwanis is proud to partner with the Texas Ramp Project, which stays busy all year long building wheelchair ramps for low-income older adults and people with disabilities. The ramps are built entirely with volunteer labor which helps reduce the cost of the ramps.
Kiwanis Christmas for Kids
The spirit of the season was alive Friday, November 28th, 2025, at Holly Hall as the community gathered for the beloved annual Kiwanis Christmas for Kids event. The air was filled with cheer as families enjoyed an evening packed with holiday magic and community warmth.
The highlight of the evening for the youngsters was the arrival of Santa Claus. The jolly old elf made his grand entrance aboard a fire truck with sirens and lights adding to the excitement.
After he made his way into Holly Hall, eager children lined up with their wish lists and to have a photo taken on Santa’s lap.
The Holly Carolers regaled the crowd with the sounds of classic Christmas songs. Kids enjoyed vibrant face painting and visited Santa’s Toy Shop. Attendees enjoyed delicious homemade cookies and warm hot chocolate.
Our thanks to organizers Laura Smith and JoAnn Powell and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to stage the event that officially kicks off the Christmas holiday season at Holly Lake Ranch!
2025 Holly Lake Ranch Fall Festival
Kansas
Kiwanis volunteers manned the Hula Hoop Game in the Kids Zone at the 2025 Holly Lake Ranch Fall Festival Saturday, October 11th.
It was fun watching the kids try their hand with the hula hoop. A little girl named Kansas made it look too easy as she was able to keep the hoop rotating endlessly.
Kiwanis volunteers were Dianne Robinson, Rick Robinson, JoAnn Powell and Michael Laurel. Also helping were CKI members from Jarvis Christian University: Kareem Robertson, Bryce Hunt, Ari Stewart and Jazmynne Verner.
A few Dads tried their hand with the hula hoop which was comical. There was also a hula hoop toss where the kids would toss a bean bag into the hoop. Everyone was a winner as all participants walked away with a book as a prize and there were also some tasty snacks. The kids and the grownups all had a great time.
Kiwanis Flag Folding Event
Volunteers from the Holly Lake Ranch community got together Wednesday, October 1st, at the Volunteer Fire Department Hall to fold retired flags. Folks from Kiwanis, the Big Sandy Lions Club, AMBUCS, DAR, and other community organizations helped out. The group managed to fold more than 400 flags in less than two hours. Some of the flags were from the Kiwanis flag program that have gotten too worn and tattered to be displayed.
Others were from residents who put their worn out flags in the flag drop box at the Holly Lake VFD. All of the folded flags will be disposed of in a dignified manner at a flag retirement ceremony in November. Hundreds of flags were retired last year in a ceremony next to the RV storage facility on FM 49. Details on this year’s flag retirement ceremony are coming soon.
Contact us to request more information on our Kiwanis Club events and projects.
CLUB PROJECTS & EVENTS
4th of July Home Decorating Contest
The Kiwanis Club is thrilled to announce the winners of the 4th of July Home Decorating Contest. Homeowners displayed incredible patriotism to mark America’s historic 250th anniversary. The standout displays that captured the judges’ hearts:
Kiwanis President John Taylor announced the winners at the 4th of July Hot Dog Event. Kim Shoemaker and her family were on hand to receive 1st Prize which is a 2-year subscription to the Kiwanis flag program. Thanks to all the homeowners who helped fill our streets with red, white, and blue spirit for the Semiquincentennial!
4th of July Hot Dog Sales Event
Holly Hall was packed with patriotic spirit on the 4th of July as the annual Kiwanis Hot Dog Event opened its doors at the culmination of the Holly Lake Ranch Golf Cart Parade. Swarms of holiday visitors filled the hall to enjoy hot dogs, chips, and cold drinks while celebrating one of the community’s favorite Independence Day traditions.
This year’s event may have set a new attendance record, judging from the size of the crowd and the hundreds of hot dogs, chips and drinks that Kiwanis sold. The strong turnout made the day especially memorable and underscored how much residents and visitors look forward to this annual holiday gathering.
Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration and helped make this year’s Kiwanis 4th of July Hot Dog Event such a success.
Hawkins Helping Hand Food Drive
Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy delivered a truckload of essential groceries to Hawkins Helping Hand on June 30th collected from a summertime community food drive. The targeted drive focused on restocking the food pantry’s shelves to ensure local school children do not go hungry during summer vacation. For many area kids, summer break means losing regular access to reliable school breakfast and lunch programs.
The community supported the effort through collection boxes placed at CNB and Origin Banks located outside Holly Lake Ranch. The drive received a major financial boost when Origin Bank customer Ritchie Hartman stepped forward with a generous cash donation of $250, which was used to purchase additional food items for the pantry.
The collected items targeted kid-friendly, shelf-stable meals and snacks. Kiwanis members Laura Smith and Michael Laurel loaded up the donations and personally delivered it to Hawkins Helping Hand. Thanks to the generosity of local bank partners, thoughtful donors, and hardworking Kiwanis volunteers, local families will have a much-needed buffer against food insecurity during the remaining summer months.
Kiwanis Helps East Texas Food Bank
A dedicated team of volunteers from Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy rolled up their sleeves on “5th Monday”, June 29th, at the East Texas Food Bank in Tyler. The volunteer lineup included Michael & Kathleen Laurel, Ben & Terri Zetsche, JoAnn Powell, Rose Upton, Laura Smith, and Christina Drake, and her daughter, Chandler Cook. The group focused their efforts on sorting, packing, and preparing essential resources for families across the region. The team started by packing boxes filled with essential food and beverage items. These packages will be deployed to various distribution sites across East Texas.
After a well-deserved short break, the volunteers pivoted to the bulk station, where they measured, sealed, and packed individual 1-pound bags of rice. The final tally for the day was highly impressive:
This incredible effort directly translates into hundreds of meals for our neighbors in need. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to represent Kiwanis and make a meaningful difference in our broader East Texas community!
2026 Kids Fishing Competition
The Hole 12 pond at Holly Lake Ranch was buzzing with excitement on the warm and humid morning of June 2nd as 22 eager youngsters gathered for the annual Kids Fishing Competition. Armed with rods, reels, and plenty of patience, the young competitors cast their lines in hopes of taking home a trophy or a special prize.
It did not take long for the action to start. Soon after the opening horn, Braxton Monroe pulled up the first fish of the day, earning himself a brand-new rod and reel. The patient anglers soon began reeling in fish after fish. Every catch was carefully weighed by volunteers before being safely released back into the pond.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped at the event and to these sponsors for their support:
Kids Fishing Tournament Results
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the next generation of anglers and make this year’s tournament a swimming success!
Kiwanis Helps HLVFD at Bingo Night
The concession stand at the Holly Lake Ranch VFD hummed with extra energy on Saturday, May 30th, thanks to a dynamic team-up between the Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy and the fire department.
Kiwanis volunteers completely took over the operations of the concession stand for the evening, ensuring bingo players stayed fueled and happy. The dedicated crew divided and conquered the kitchen with absolute precision. Laura Smith and Dianne Robinson greeted hungry patrons and took orders at the service window, while Michael Laurel kept the grill sizzling with hot dogs. Rose Upton meticulously prepared delicious desserts, and JoAnn Powell kept the condiment station fully prepped and organized. Ensuring the operation never skipped a beat, Cara Kraft and Sharon Lindquist worked tirelessly to keep the front window fully stocked with fresh snacks.
The partnership is part of an ongoing commitment by the Kiwanis Club to staff the bingo concession stand at the VFD during months with a fifth Saturday. The Kiwanis team will be back in the kitchen on August 29th and October 31st. A massive thank you goes out to all the hard-working volunteers who donated their Saturday evening, and to every community member who stopped by the window to grab a snack and support these two incredible local organizations.
Hawkins ISD Duct Tape Boat Race
The girls dominated at the Hawkins ISD Duct Tape Boat Race at Holly Lake on Thursday, May 14th. The freshman biology class of Hawkins High School came up with some creative boats made of only carboard and duct tape to sail across the lake. It was exciting watching those who made it from shore to shore and entertaining to watch those who didn’t. All in all, it was a fun day for the kids and the spectators who lined the shore in their golf carts and lawn chairs.
Volunteers from Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy served the kids a hot dog lunch before the event got underway. Our thanks to JoAnn Powell, Christina Drake, Cherie Leingang, Rose Upton, Michael Laurel, Laura Smith, Sharon Lindquist, Cara Kraft, Wayne Gorman, and TX-OK Div 34 Lt. Governor Roy Shockey for helping out.
Spectators on shore had a good time predicting which of the vessels would actually make it to the other side and which of the sailors would end up swimming for safety. Some of the watercraft showed some real engineering while others looked like a last minute homework project.
When the racing was done the winners were:
Other awards were presented for:
The Hawkins High School Freshman students showcased their engineering prowess and provided Holly Lake residents with an afternoon of hilarious fun on the water.
Kiwanis 2026 Scholarships
The Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy proudly awarded a total of $15,000 in scholarships during a special luncheon on Wednesday, May 13th, at Holly Hall. We are incredibly proud of this impressive group of young scholars. Here are our 2026 scholarship winners and where they will continue their studies.
Harmony High School:
Hawkins High School:
Big Sandy High School:
Homeschooled:
These bright individuals plan to pursue diverse fields of study, including environmental science, education, biology, agricultural business, animal science, nursing, and more. Their dedication and academic accomplishments have set them apart, and we are confident they will continue to achieve great things. We wish them the absolute best and continued success as they head off to colleges and universities across the country for their future studies!
Kiwanis Supports C.A.S.T. for Kids at Lake Fork
Our Kiwanis club was proud to serve as a Bronze Sponsor for the annual C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Saturday, May 9th, at Pope’s Landing on the shores of Lake Fork. This was a heart-warming initiative that brings the joy of the outdoors to children with special needs. Dedicated Kiwanis members JoAnn Powell, Laura Smith, Dianne Robinson, Michael Laurel, and friend of Kiwanis, Bill Case, gave their time to serve as shore volunteers. The catch of the day was a huge 7 pound catfish that one of the young participants reeled in.
After the fishing was done, the celebration continued on shore as the young anglers were treated to a delicious lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs, followed by cool, refreshing treats from the Kona Ice truck. To commemorate the day, every child and their boat captain received a special plaque to honor their participation and hard work on the water.
The C.A.S.T. for Kids event was a resounding success as it gave the 22 children and their caretakers a refreshing break from daily challenges.
The participants and volunteers are already looking forward to next year’s event!
Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off
The community gathered at Holly Hall Saturday, February 21st, for the annual Kiwanis Chili Cook-off and Fundraiser. With 20 contestants vying for the top spot, the event showcased a remarkable variety of recipes that ranged from tongue-tingling spicy to family-friendly mild. The competition featured something for everyone, including chilis with and without beans, traditional beef chilis, a standout chicken chili and Tina Beall’s beloved annual tradition: a comforting potato soup specifically for those who can’t eat chili. Beyond the chili, the Kiwanis Club ensured no guest went thirsty or hungry. Attendees enjoyed free water and lemonade to cool down between tastings, followed by delicious cake for dessert to round out the meal.
The chilis were judged blind to ensure that every entry is evaluated solely on its own merits, free from any personal bias or favoritism. After much deliberation by the judges and attendees, the 2026 champions were crowned:
Trish LaPointe from the Holly Lake Ranch Dog Shelter won $151 in prize money in the 50/50 Raffle.
The Kiwanis Club of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy extends a heartfelt thanks to all the chefs, volunteers, and community members who made this year’s fundraiser a sizzling success!
Kiwanis Helps Texas Ramp Project
Kiwanis of Holly Lake Ranch, Big Sandy played Santa Claus for the Texas Ramp Project this year. Jeff Mulkey from the Texas Ramp Project told Kiwanis, “We built ramp number 38 for the year this morning and our old saw that was on its last leg finally died.” Kiwanis came to the rescue with a donation of a miter saw, table saw and a lithium battery pack valued at $699.
Kiwanis members JoAnn Powell and Rose Upton presented the donations to Jeff Mulkey on December 23, 2025, just in time for Christmas! Kiwanis is proud to partner with the Texas Ramp Project, which stays busy all year long building wheelchair ramps for low-income older adults and people with disabilities. The ramps are built entirely with volunteer labor which helps reduce the cost of the ramps.
Kiwanis Christmas for Kids
The spirit of the season was alive Friday, November 28th, 2025, at Holly Hall as the community gathered for the beloved annual Kiwanis Christmas for Kids event. The air was filled with cheer as families enjoyed an evening packed with holiday magic and community warmth.
The highlight of the evening for the youngsters was the arrival of Santa Claus. The jolly old elf made his grand entrance aboard a fire truck with sirens and lights adding to the excitement.
After he made his way into Holly Hall, eager children lined up with their wish lists and to have a photo taken on Santa’s lap.
The Holly Carolers regaled the crowd with the sounds of classic Christmas songs. Kids enjoyed vibrant face painting and visited Santa’s Toy Shop. Attendees enjoyed delicious homemade cookies and warm hot chocolate.
Our thanks to organizers Laura Smith and JoAnn Powell and the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to stage the event that officially kicks off the Christmas holiday season at Holly Lake Ranch!
2025 Holly Lake Ranch Fall Festival
Kiwanis volunteers manned the Hula Hoop Game in the Kids Zone at the 2025 Holly Lake Ranch Fall Festival Saturday, October 11th.
It was fun watching the kids try their hand with the hula hoop. A little girl named Kansas made it look too easy as she was able to keep the hoop rotating endlessly.
Kiwanis volunteers were Dianne Robinson, Rick Robinson, JoAnn Powell and Michael Laurel. Also helping were CKI members from Jarvis Christian University: Kareem Robertson, Bryce Hunt, Ari Stewart and Jazmynne Verner.
A few Dads tried their hand with the hula hoop which was comical. There was also a hula hoop toss where the kids would toss a bean bag into the hoop. Everyone was a winner as all participants walked away with a book as a prize and there were also some tasty snacks. The kids and the grownups all had a great time.
Kiwanis Flag Folding Event
Volunteers from the Holly Lake Ranch community got together Wednesday, October 1st, at the Volunteer Fire Department Hall to fold retired flags. Folks from Kiwanis, the Big Sandy Lions Club, AMBUCS, DAR, and other community organizations helped out. The group managed to fold more than 400 flags in less than two hours. Some of the flags were from the Kiwanis flag program that have gotten too worn and tattered to be displayed.
Others were from residents who put their worn out flags in the flag drop box at the Holly Lake VFD. All of the folded flags will be disposed of in a dignified manner at a flag retirement ceremony in November. Hundreds of flags were retired last year in a ceremony next to the RV storage facility on FM 49. Details on this year’s flag retirement ceremony are coming soon.
Contact us to request more information on our Kiwanis Club events and projects.
Click here to make an online payment or donation
Kiwanis International
http://www.kiwanis.org
Texas-Oklahoma District of Kiwanis International
www.txokkiwanis.org
TX-OK District Facebook Page
facebook.com/texasoklahomakiwanis/