Monday, February 29, 2016

The Forest Awakens

Weeks away from the 78th annual Dogwood Trails Celebration, the flowering trees are starting to give us a sneak peek for the season.  This year’s theme for the Celebration, “The Forest Awakens” fits hand in hand with the landscape of Davey Dogwood Park this week. 

Launched in 1938, the annual Texas Dogwood Trails celebration has been a staple for springtime in East Texas.  Davey Dogwood Park became the central location of the annual event in February 1944, when Mr. M.A. Davey, a Palestine oil main, purchased this tract of land and deeded it to Anderson County to be used as a park of natural beauty.  The park offers more than five and one-half miles of hard-surfaced roads to follow with majestic pines, red buds, wild plum trees and of course the graceful dogwood.

The history of the dogwood tree goes back to 1731 when it was first cultivated, but the origin and true dates for the tree are unknown. The dogwood trees’ history is steeped with broad cultural uses, from a signal that it was time to plant crops for Native Americans to the many uses for the wood as various tools supporting day to day activities in small business and farming for early settlers. 

Become part of the history of the dogwood by visiting historic Palestine and experience our attractions, exciting events, unique shopping and local flavor - recently named one of the top Travel Destinations in Texas. Activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the Celebration, including the Dogwood Trails festival on Saturday, March 19th in historic downtown Palestine. Don't miss the Piney Woods Train Excursion at the Texas State Railroad, tours at the historic Redlands Inn, Dulcimer Music Festival, Main Street Farm & Flower Market, live productions at the Texas Theatre and much more.

The Dogwood Trails Celebration is the last two weekends in March and the first weekend in April each year.  

Find more information on the 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration at www.texasdogwoodtrails.com.





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