Vacation for me? Fixing trucks. But here is a good entertainment tip too!

I am on vacation, technically, until Nov. 1. I might write something between now and then if I feel like it. But right now I am about 58 percent pissed off, in pain a tad more than normal and my truck is once again having @#&^%!*?>+ing problems with its cooling system. I thought all that was fixed. It isn’t.

Meanwhile, for those of you in Southeast Texas or within driving distance of Newton — almost as far as you can go east and still be in Texas — and if you want something entertaining to do for a good cause, the Newton County Fire Department and Sheriff’s Association is hosting a day-long cornucopia of events for your entertainment pleasure benefiting the county’s Toys For Tots drive. Here are the details:

When: Beginning at 8 a.m.

Where: Newton County Fair Grounds, Newton, Texas

Newton is 15 miles east Southeast of Jasper, Texas, on U.S. 190; 51 miles North of Orange, Texas on State Hwy. 87; 36 miles West of DeRidder/Fort Polk, La., area on U.S. 190; and about 70 miles east Southeast of Lufkin, Texas, via State Highway 62 and U.S. 190.

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Cajun and zydeco performer Wayne Toups plays the night of the festival. Pre-sale tickets will be available at NAPA Auto in Newton, Top Line in Newton and First Insurance in Jasper or you can call one of the numbers listed below for tickets. Only $10.00!!

Brian Hornois…Star of Haunted Rhode Island and formerly of Ghost Hunters has graciously donated his time to come out and sign autographs and have pictures taken from 5-8 pm for all you ghost hunting fans.

Bikers Ride register 8am. First bike out 10am, last bike in 3pm. $20 per bike, $10 passenger. All bikers will receive an event bandana and there will be a 50/50 drawing and door prizes.

Chili cook off registration: 9am. Judging 1pm. $50 entry fee – 1st place trophy awarded – call for rules and entry forms. 409-224-6173

Non- food vendors welcome – $25. per booth.

10am-3pm -we will have free games for the kids,a petting zoo, a cake walk, bounce house, food booth and more!! Smokey the Bear as well as McGruff the Crime Dog will be there to meet the kids, and the fire trucks/police cars and Jasper Countys D.A.R.E. car will be on display.

Trailride – begins at 9am at the softball field beside the fair grounds. Call Karen @ Top Line for more information. 409-379-2283

5-8pm washer and horseshoe tournaments, $10 entry fee. 50% for toys for tots, 30/20% split for 1st and 2nd place winners.

Concert gates open at 4 p.m.. First band plays 6 p.m. Auction will be during intermissions.

Donations can also be mailed to Santas Toy Brigade, P.O. Box 1292, Newton, Texas. 75966

Donations of can goods, dry goods, new boxed toys, and auction items would be appreciated.

Sponsored by the Newton County Fire Department and Newton County Sheriff Association – All proceeds go to Newton County Toys for Tots.

And just a note. Tell them Eight Feet Deep sent you and you might just get a free trip to the Newton County lockup! Seriously, this is for a good cause put on by some good folks. I saw Wayne Toups and ZyDeCajun play at the 2004 Beaumont Blues Fest and they were some good sho’ nuff! He is probably the most successful Cajun recording artist today and he brings a great combination of Cajun, zydeco, blues and swamp pop to the stage. And all is for $10 and a good cause. It’s a steal.