Linden knows how to shine

The food was delectable, the music was smooth and the dancing was close as guests of the Let Linden Shine Gala were welcomed to an elegant night of enchantment and fellowship.

The evening began with drinks and a reception. Soon after guests were served a tender briquette provided by Crumps and prepared by Scott Ross and Bob Swisher, with the delightful mashed potatoes and green beans that those who patronize the County Seat know and love.

The Music City Texas Theater was beautiful, decked out in tasteful and elegant décor to provide a beautiful ambiance to serve a community that came together with a unified purpose to enhance a beloved community icon.

Though, the night wouldn’t have been complete without the gourmet coffee provided by Dark Horse Coffee who served espresso-style drinks.

The invocation was performed by John Knapp and was hosted by Joe Loveless. Richard Bowden introduced the Dave Washburn Jazz Band from Dallas, a six-piece New Orleans style group, played jazz and big band tunes, provided by Don Henley. The illumination ceremony announcement was brought by Allie Anderson with Loveless closing the evening.

Loveless announced several thank-yous through the evening including the sponsors who helped raise the money to fund the project and even the Cass County Sun to help get the word out.

Loveless, with the Linden Heritage Foundation, was very pleased with the evening, “the Gala exceeded our expectations. The 125+ who attended at Music City Theater were treated to an event worthy of the Dallas Hilton Ballroom. All enjoyed the atmosphere and exceptional food prepared by local talent.”

“Every person attending felt the power in the room,” exclaimed Loveless. “Linden united behind a common goal - illuminating downtown at night with a lighting system on the 1934 Water Tower unlike anything in Northeast Texas. The 1934 Water Tower cookies were most unique.” Christophe Trahan - Executive Director of the Linden EDC agreed, “The Gala was an undeniable success in that it was a perfect way for large segments of Linden’s community to come together and celebrate a successful collaborative effort to beautify and rejuvenate our city.”

Loveless went on to say that “the highlight of the evening (for him) was the diverse groups you saw represented at the event. There were businesses and investors in Linden there and there were quite a few just private citizens there to enjoy an evening of celebrating Linden. There was a “positive energy” flowing that evening that is hard to put your finger on, but it is growing and having an effect on Linden.”

Bob Swisher, when asked about the response he received, said that the “feedback on the Gala has been 100% positive. Everyone that attended had a great time. The age group of the attendees was on the ‘Senior Discount’ side of the spectrum. But when I first took this job an older person was telling me about the great events that went on here in Linden when they were a child, they lamented that they still didn’t go on. My comment was, did you help put them on? They said ‘No, I was just a child’. I asked did your parents put them on. They said ‘No they were busy working, but my Grandparents were very involved’. I looked at them and said, ‘Aren’t you a Grandparent now?’ Everyone has a role in making Linden a great place to live, no one’s role is to stop volunteer effort and damage the Esprit de Corp of the City.”

The evening itself was all centered around the future of the lighting of the Linden Water Tower which Trahan believes will have a positive economic benefit to the community.

“From an economic standpoint, the addition of the lighting system to the water tower will have a very positive effect on our tourism potential as a city (not unlike what Kilgore has experienced with its lighted oil derricks). Having a system like this will also be a progressive step toward building a nightlife for our city--especially from an iconographic standpoint.”

Loveless says that he believes “The water tower is a signature feature in the city already. The lighting will enhance it in the evenings as well. It will definitely be a draw to further promote Linden.”

Overall Trahan says the response from the community has been positive, “Thankfully, I have only heard positive feedback regarding the project. Others in our steering committee have faced some negative comments, but these are par for the course when setting out on a venture like this, and the successful and entirely private fundraising efforts have been the truest and most overwhelming response to the project.”

When asked if Swisher was surprised that it was fully funded coming into the Gala he gave an unequivocal YES. “Sandra Scoog (from the lighting company) is the most positive person I have worked with and she told us in the first meeting we will do this no problem,” but Swisher thought it would be harder.

Swisher went on to say that “Sam Higdon made a great statement and I use it on the bottom of every e-mail I send out. “The conversation has changed from what Linden was to what Linden can be!” Sam Higdon 2019. Sam grew up here in Linden and has spearheaded some of the best projects that have gone on here. He is one of my heroes when it comes to a giving caring heart for Linden.”

From here says Swisher, “beginning September 9th, Longview Lights will be rigging up to mount the Color Kinetic Lighting System on the 1934 Water Tower. A Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Linden Second Saturday, September 14th. Linden Main Street and Chamber of Commerce will be providing further details.”

Loveless wraps up the evening by saying truly, “The generous efforts of many donors and volunteers made the magical night possible.”