The Mayor proclaimed July 18 through July 24 as Rodeo Week in Livingston, honoring the Polk County Youth Rodeo Association’s 50th year of operation.

Trade Days completed its 11th year of operation with an average of 151 vendors attending each monthly event. Advertising efforts attracted vendors from Livingston and as far away as Wisconsin, Utah, South Dakota, Montana, Arizona, Illinois, California, Minnesota and Iowa. Shoppers came from all areas of Texas as well as Minnesota, Arkansas, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Dakota and Ohio. Trade Days special events included the 9th Annual Spring Outdoor Expo in March, the Texas Pioneer Bird Show in June, and the 9th Annual Dog Show in December. Appreciation to our vendors included city sponsorship of Vendor Dinners in August and November.

The City’s 11th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza drew large crowds of children hunting more than 20,000 Easter eggs stuffed with candy and prize tokens. Local businesses donated candy and more than 200 prizes, including bicycles, tricycles, swimming pools, sports equipment,

Easter baskets, stuffed animals, electronic toys and learning games.

The annual Kid’s Fishing Frenzy fishing tournament was held in April, for children from toddlers to age 17 to promote an interest in fishing. The event was sponsored by the Texas Game Wardens Association which stocked Pedigo Park Pond with catfish, as well as Academy Sports & Outdoors (Lufkin), CH Marine, First National Bank, First State Bank, Polk County Peace Officers Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Eleven summer camps were offered by the City in 2010, with over 120 children participating.

The Parks and Recreation Department created a wide array of special Christmas lighting throughout the City. New Christmas lighting displays were constructed by city employees and installed at City Hall, Pedigo Park, Murphy Memorial Library and the pond at the US 59 Bypass and US 190.

The annual Hometown Christmas celebration attracted many visitors. The Jingle Bell Fun Run included 135 runners and walkers, many in holiday costume. Parks and Recreation • Trade Days • Special Events

Vendors, a petting zoo and carriage rides were popular attractions surrounding City Hall and the event concluded with a lighted evening parade and visits with Santa at City Hall.

Pedigo Park was the site for several community events, including the Annual Polk County Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, and The Battle of Long King Creek Civil War re-enactment, hosted by the Ike Turner Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

The City’s Matthews Park Swimming Pool offered a summer full of activities including swimming lessons for over 350 children and its second annual beach party.

Several improvements were made to Matthews Park, including new concrete bridges built at the jogging trail, new siding installed on the buildings at the City Pool, and demolition of the abandoned maintenance facility/ cart barn on Matthews Street.

The City Council authorized a five-year extension of the lease of the nine-hole golf course to Paul Hendrix.

Without its volunteers, the Parks and Recreation Department would be unable to host the many events held throughout the year. A volunteer appreciation dinner was given in April to recognize the contributions volunteers make in our community.