Good morning, Tyler.

East Texas communities are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with a series of cultural events and resource opportunities that began on Sept.

15. In Tyler, local groups will host National Night Out Latino Day on Oct. 7 at 5 p.m., the free Desde el Primer Latido event on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m., and the Viva La Rosa parade on Oct. 18 at 9 a.m.—showing the strong impact of Hispanic culture in the region.

This weekend East Texas offers a full slate of events with Oktoberfest at ETX Brewing Co.—a day of German food, music, and family games from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday in Tyler, while a sickle cell blood drive, a horse competition, and cultural shows in Longview and Kilgore add more opportunities to celebrate the season.

The Smith County Tax Abatement Development Council reported on Tuesday that deals with private companies created 3,654 jobs and boosted the local economy by about $423M through projects from Averitt Trucking, Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Tyler Pipe and Coupling, and others — one project was cancelled due to low job creation. The report shows that nearly all partnerships met or surpassed their job and investment targets.

Tyler ISD and East Texas State Fair partnered to bring rodeo culture to classrooms when professional rodeo athletes visited several campuses today to show their skills and share their experiences with students.

The ongoing program will expand agricultural education by linking classroom lessons to live rodeo traditions—helping students understand agriculture's role in our community—and will include future visits.

On Wednesday, a state agency awarded nearly $2M to groups serving veterans in East Texas, including Tyler-based Camp V and the East Texas Council of Governments.

The grants will help pay for veteran rides, home repairs and emergency aid—supporting veterans with care and housing needs—while aiming to improve support across several counties.

Piney Woods Ultra

7 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Tyler State Park — Registration fee applies — Challenge yourself across multiple distances in a scenic Texas setting.

2025 East Texas Previvor Dinner

Free exhibit and educational dinner (preregistration required by 9/28) as part of Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week. Tony Savage, a former defensive tackle with the San Diego Chargers and male breast cancer survivor with a BRCA2 genetic mutation, will be this year’s patient speaker.

2025 East Texas Previvor Dinner

Free exhibit and educational dinner (preregistration required by 9/28) as part of Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week. Tony Savage, a former defensive tackle with the San Diego Chargers and male breast cancer survivor with a BRCA2 genetic mutation, will be this year’s patient speaker.

Paul Cauthen Live

7-8:45 p.m. — Stanley's Famous Pit Barbecue — GA Standing — Experience the soulful sounds of Paul Cauthen amidst the flavors of East Texas BBQ.

Pink October

7:45-10:15 a.m. — Rose Rudman Park — Registration fee — Run or walk to support Breast Cancer Research during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Swing for Hope Golf & Bingo Tournament

7:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Hollytree Country Club — Support a great cause — Experience a fun-filled morning of Golf or Bingo while helping children in foster care.

John Conlee Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Liberty Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of classic country hits from John Conlee.

2025 Annual Business Meeting of RFHP

9:30 a.m. — Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center — $0-$150 — Gather for workshops, business meetings, and technical sessions at the 15th Annual Meeting focused on reservoir fisheries.

Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025

3:00 p.m. — Noble E. Young Park — Registration fee covers five weeks — A fun running program for kids Pre-K through 8th grade with various distances and awards.

Roads to Opportunities Youth Conference

8:30 AM – 1:45 PM — Tyler Junior College - West Campus — Registration required — Explore pathways to youth empowerment and opportunity.

Autumn Nights: An Evening of Spoken Word

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Texas African American Museum — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of poetic performances and storytelling in Tyler.