our Partners
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Athens Texas was established in 1850 and incorporated in 1856 and serves as the Henderson County seat. Named after Athens, Greece it proudly goes by the motto of Fiddle Town, USA. Home of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center on Lake Athens, the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical 100 acre facility with walking trails and gardens.
Notable residents: Fletcher Davis (hamburger innovator), Clint Murchison, Jr. (Dallas Cowboys Founder), NFL players Jakeem Grant & Terrence McGee, MLB pitcher Pete Donohue, Judge William Wayne Justice and philanthropist Sid W. Richardson.
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Henderson County Courthouse was built on land selected after the county's creation in 1846, the courthouse square includes the bronze statue of "The Fiddler" created by Albert Stewart, an artist from Dallas, for Henderson County's sesquicentennial celebration in 1986. The sculpture represents the rich musical heritage of the area and serves as the venue for significant community events, such as the renowned "Old Fiddlers" contest, and a focal point for civic activity and remembrance.
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The Athens Economic Development Corporation is a proactive, taxpayer-funded entity dedicated to economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure support. Since its establlishment in the early 1990s, AEDC has enacted competitive incentives and development tools, supported company relocation and expansions, partnered in workforce development initiatives.
The AEDC is a key partner in our local events including support for the Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion, Black-eyed Pea Jamboree and the Uncle Fletcher Davis Hamburger Festival each year.
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FOW plays a vital role in keeping Texas folk music alive by passing down fiddling traditions, educating new generations about cultural music forms like Western swing and strengthening community ties through accessible, engaging music outreach. FOW conducts public workshops, school visits, and interactive demonstrations designed to teach fiddling techniques and music history.
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Henderson County Arts Council fosters art education for youth and emerging creators. Core values include Creativity, Excellence, and Collaboration; their vision is to support the arts in Henderson County through sponsoring artistic programs, community awareness and encouraging talent.
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HCPAC has seasonal productions including classic plays, musicals, and youth favorites.
HCPAC hosts several youth education camps, each year, like YES (Youth Excellence on State), summer camps, and theater workshops nurturing future talent.
A community powered operation of local volunteers cover everything from acting and direction to set, costume, and technical production.
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The TMO is an essential state agency championing the prosperity of Texas's musical ecosystem - from local artists and education to venue support and policy advocacy.
Programs include Music Friendly Texas (MFT) ,Texas Music Incubator Rebate (TMIR), Music Education & Community Grants, Texas Music Industry Directory & Database an online live referral system serving over 14,000 industry clients.
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The Texan Theater had its debut on April 23, 1948, as a classic single-screen cinema with around 680 seats. It closed in 1984, after a fire left it roofless. Renovation began in 2017-2018 and reopened in May 2018 as a modern event center. Now owned by the City of Athens and operated by CCB Events, it regularly hosts live music, comedy, community events, and private functions. Camille & Kelley graciously host the Athens Old Fiddler Contest each year.