Canyon, TX

The Canyon Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Fair on the Square and other great events October 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th at various destinations around the City of Canyon.

Fair events include the following:

October 7^th - Canyon Chamber Cook-off at the Town Square from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

October 8^th - Homecoming Golf Classic, 10:00am at Ross Rogers Golf Complex.

October 8^th - WTAMU Bonfire and Dance, 9:00pm at Russell Long Blvd. at WTAMU Drive.

October 9^th - Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 7:00am at Cole Community Center.

October 9^th - WTAMU Homecoming Parade, 11:00am on Fourth Avenue.

October 9^th - WTAMU Homecoming Cookout from 3:00pm to 5:00pm at Kimbrough Stadium.

October 9^th - WTAMU vs TSU, 6:00pm at Kimbrough Stadium.

October 9^th - Centennial Homecoming Fireworks following the WTAMU game.

While you're in Canyon, Texas on any of these dates, you are sure to have something fun-filled to do. These annual events are always a big hit with the locals and visitors to Canyon.

The US Fish & Wildlife Service is hosting a public meeting December 15, 2009 and needs public input on a management plan for the Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

The buffalo may not roam the area any longer and nature doesn't manage the land itself anymore, but the federal government does and they want to hear what local Canyon, Texas residents have to say.

Tuesday's meeting will help the government get input from locals and hear what they want to consider in the creation of a comprehensive management plan that is meant to guide the agency's leadership at the refuge over the next 15 years.

The refuge is made up of 7,664 acres along with deer, birds, turkey, owls, prairie dogs, marshes, woodlands and beautifully carved canyon walls.

The plan will include things like grazing, hunting, management practices and take into consideration existing plans. Wild turkey, mule and white-tailed deer are the most popular for visitors. However, other wildlife can be found, such as neo-tropical birds like tanagers, warblers, orioles, and flycatchers, which attract many bird watchers.

Over 300 species have been recorded at the refuge, some as awesome as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon and mountain plover.

There was a lake on the refuge land that began filling in the late 1930s, after a dam was built as part of a federal program. The lake waned as the water supply from Tierra Blanca Creek and other natural springs dried up. But a flood in 1978 filled the lake and the US Army Corps of Engineers declared it unsafe and had the lake drained.

Currently, management includes controlled cattle grazing and farming that leaves one-third of the crops growing for feeding the wildlife.

So, Canyon and surrounding area residents, this meeting is important to get feedback. You can easily attend and give your input. The meeting begins at 3:00 pm on December 15, 2009 at the Refuge headquarters, 1.5 miles south of Umbarger on 168 Farm-to-Market Road .

Realtor® Tom Kile - Canyon, Texas Real Estate

Search Homes for Sale in Canyon, Texas Real Estate

I recently read one of the most inspirational and touching stories about a young Canyon, Texas man. Seventeen-year-old, Mark England is a 6' 1" 260 left guard for the Rebels. Mark fills the pulpit of his church each Sunday night with a guitar over his large chest and belts out "Precious Memories" in a deep strong voice. Then he asks the church members and visitors to bow in prayer.

Mark is a young, associate preacher at Bethel Baptist Church in Canyon. The Good Lord has answered many of Mark's prayers by giving him the chance to preach to his congregation for 36 minutes each Sunday night.

When Mark preaches, he doesn't shout and his hands are rarely still, but he does deliver a very strong message that comes across loud and clear. He also mixes humor with Scripture to keep all eyes and ears alert while he preaches. Mark said that sometimes it seems like a lot of baggage, but he takes it to the cross and knows everything will be okay. Mark has never been to seminary school but preaches because he loves it so much.

Mark England's other passion is football. He absolutely loves to play the game, the camaraderie and the friends he's made on the team. He has had two major knee surgeries that he has overcome. Injuries like his would have ended most players careers. Mark willed himself through tenacity and hard work to stay on the team and earn himself a starting point on the offensive line.

Most people that meet Mark think he is a full grown man in kid's body. He is very mature for his age and it shows every time he opens his mouth. Mark accepted Christ when he was just 11-years-old. He said it changed his life at that very moment. And at the age of 13, he was asked if he wanted to preach is first Sunday night sermon.

Mark knew he needed to be in front of people, so he said yes. His first sermon lasted just 4 1/2 minutes. He said he was so nervous as he preached on "Fleeing from God." Since then, Mark has preached so many sermons he can't count them. He also has his own website www.markenglandministries.com.. Mark believes the Lord is moving him to do this. He says the Holy Spirit takes over and it's awesome. He truly loves it.

Wow, so young to be so inspirational to so many. It's a very touching story of such a young man who knows what he wants, and isn't afraid to go after it.