East Texas town readying for national event
Mark Chesnutt, antique tractors, and more coming to historical site in Point

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

February 21, 2002 -- Mark Chesnutt will musically salute the National Farmers Union during their 100th anniversary celebration in Point, Saturday, March 2. The NFU Centennial Convention is March 1-4 in Irving, but Chestnutt's concert and other events will take place March 2 in Point, the town where NFU began.

Point is located 22 miles southeast of Greenville on Highway 69, or about 10 miles northwest of Emory.

In preparation for a national convention, the small town of Point - population of around 800 - is planning several events to entertain the NFU convention crowd.

"We want them to take a step back in time; from viewing antique tractors and cars, to the cooking cauldrons; everything will have that historic feel," said Brent Cason, president of People Organizing Ideal Neighborhoods Today, Inc. (P.O.I.N.T.). "Point wants to become the national monument for the NFU."

Events scheduled for March 2 are a Texas barbecue; an address by Bob Bergland, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture; ceremonies at Lone Star Cemetery, the resting place of NFU-founder Newt Gresham; antique car, tractor and dress contests; hot air balloon rides; arts and crafts; music; cloggers and tap dancers; and singers. Contests will be judged by NFU members.

There will also be a ceremony at the Smyrna Church, the site of the first public meeting of the Farmers Union.

Most events are free to view, but there will be a $5 charge for hot air balloon rides, and parking will be available for $3. Tickets for the Chesnutt concert, to begin at 9:30 p.m., are $15 and can be purchased at BK's General in Point, Bent Tree in Emory, and Cavender's in Tyler and Greenville. Chestnutt will give a private concert for NFU members prior to the public concert.

For contest information or details about the March 2 agenda, contact Vi Kasdorf at 903-598-2024.