Good morning, Tyler.

Residents in Tyler used goats to eat weeds and clear their yards but soon found that the animals brought unexpected joy to the neighborhood, uniting neighbors in a unique way.

Last Friday, November 7, 30 teams gathered at Tyler Indoor Pickleball for BBB serving Central East Texas’ first pickleball tournament to network and compete — the event, part of a Battle of the Businesses series, awarded first place to Rob Lowe and Joel Hancox while local sponsors like Horizon Health helped fund the competition.

East Texas will soon see festive holiday attractions with drive-thru light shows, family activities, and special events in Tyler and nearby areas — events include park displays, tree purchases that support local causes, and seasonal markets running from Thanksgiving through early January. Residents can look forward to varied celebrations that help welcome the season with lights, music, and community spirit.

Tyler artist Christie Joy curated the Pistols and Petals: Two Cities, One Canvas exhibition at Mesquite Arts Center (located at 1527 N.

Galloway Avenue) featuring 17 East Texas artists who celebrate the region's Western and rose-growing traditions; the exhibition (a year in the making) runs through Dec. 20.

The Texas Education Agency released its school ratings for the 2024–25 school year.

Statewide, 81 percent of districts earned an A rating — a strong result for local schools.

The Better Business Bureau advised local consumers on setting a holiday budget by listing fixed costs and setting clear spending limits as prices rise on gifts and travel.

The agency urged residents to track every expense and take advantage of deals—helping them avoid debt this season.

Tyler dietitians are helping shoppers with diabetes choose healthy foods in grocery stores.

They ease the stress of navigating many options — a measure that supports proper diabetes management.

Angel Cummings—the Texas College choir student—will sing the national anthem at the Kansas City Chiefs' Dec.

7 primetime NFL game after the team invited her upon viewing her performance video from a Texas College football game. She said the honor motivates her to perform with passion and make her community proud.

The Lindale Lady Eagles volleyball team will compete in the state tournament and play in the semi finals — marking their first appearance since 1994.

The Spring Hill Panthers will play in the state semi finals on Saturday to try to reach the finals—this game gives the team a chance to advance in the tournament.

The Tyler Junior College Apaches finished their season undefeated at 9-0—now they will face Cisco College in the SWJCFC semifinal this Saturday at Rose Stadium.

Head Coach Tanner Jacobson credited the team's success to a strong culture built on lessons from top coaches.

Giving Thanks 5k, 10k, 15k & Half Marathon

8:00 a.m. — Southside Park — Low-cost participation — Celebrate the spirit of gratitude with a friendly race for all ages and abilities.

Childbirth Education Class Series

6:30-8:30 p.m. — CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Tyler — Ticket required — Prepare for childbirth with essential knowledge and support in an interactive class series.

Christmas Market at Andy's Frozen Custard

5:30-10 p.m. — Andy's Frozen Custard — Free entry — Discover local vendors and enjoy festive treats at this holiday market.

The Holiday Showdown

6:45-11:15 AM — Rose Rudman Park — Registration fee applies — Compete in a festive run with custom holiday finisher medals to mark your achievement.

2025 Rose City Christmas Parade and Drone Show

6:30-11:59 p.m. — CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium — $1.00 or one canned food item — Experience the festive fun of the Rose City Christmas Parade and Drone Show with a theme of ‘Unite For Good’.

Season's Greetings Running Event

8:00 a.m. — Southside Park — Free entry — Run or walk in a friendly atmosphere with multiple distance options and medals for all participants.

Chanukah Klezmer Concert

7-9 p.m. — True Vine Brewing Company — In-person only — Celebrate Chanukah with joyful Klezmer music from the Tyler Klezmer Ensemble.

Holiday Lights in the Garden

5-8 p.m. — Tyler Rose Garden — Free admission — Experience a dazzling display of thousands of holiday lights in a festive wonderland.

A Dickens' Christmas Celebration

4 PM-8 PM — East Texas State Fair Administration Office — Paid parking — Experience a charming Olde English Christmas town with hot cocoa, carolers, and festive vendors.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9:00 p.m. — The SportsZone Bar and Grill — Tickets available online only — Celebrate the season in your ugliest sweater with games, contests, and festive cheer in Downtown Tyler.