GAINESVILLE, Texas — Cooke County families have a late-July and August calendar that includes a youth cheer camp, Fire & Table, back-to-school activities, a free women’s self-defense course and a workforce-focused luncheon.
Fire & Table returns Aug. 15
Fire & Table is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Gainesville Texas Farmers Market, 215 W. Elm St. The City of Gainesville calendar calls it a gathering around smoke, flavor, local producers and a backyard barbecue. Additional details are forthcoming!
Youth cheer camp in Lindsay
Lindsay High School’s 2026 Cheer Mini-Camp is July 27–30 for incoming kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Grade-specific hours are listed on the district registration page. The camp will be held in the Lindsay High School gym.
Cost is $60 and includes a camp T-shirt and snacks. The district says its July 1 deadline guaranteed a T-shirt; families should use the district registration link to confirm remaining space.
August public-safety and school events
The Gainesville Police Department will offer a free Women’s R.A.D. course Aug. 1 and 2 from noon to 6 p.m. at the department, 201 Santa Fe St. The hands-on course is intended to teach practical self-defense skills and is open to women of all ages and abilities. Space is limited.
Valley View ISD will begin its back-to-school programming with a Back-to-School Bash from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 1 at the Bob Andrew Ag Science Center. The district says students can receive free backpacks and haircuts and join face painting with the Valley View Cheerleaders.
The district will also host a senior sunrise breakfast at 7 a.m. Aug. 3 at the Ag Science Center, followed by a 5 to 6:30 p.m. registration-help event at Valley View Elementary. Back-to-School Night and Meet the Eagles are scheduled Aug. 10, with the band beginning at 6:30 p.m. and Meet the Eagles at 7 p.m.
Workforce luncheon set for Aug. 19
The Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its next Knowledge NOW Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Gainesville Civic Center, 311 S. Weaver St. Dr. Brent Wallace, chancellor of North Central Texas College, is scheduled to discuss the role of community colleges in workforce readiness, career pathways and regional economic growth.
Tickets are $25 for Chamber members and $35 for nonmembers, including lunch. The Chamber asks attendees to register by 5 p.m. Aug. 14 for catering.